Martha Ann Bernard, of Mascoutah, Illinois, formerly of Russell Springs, passed from this life on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at her home. She was 83 years of age.
Born July 5, 1940, in Columbia, Kentucky, she was a daughter of the late Leslie and Annie Streeval Burton. Martha was a loving mother and excellent cook who was best known for her fried chicken and chicken and dumplings. She enjoyed camping at the lake, making quilts for her family, working crossword puzzles, and was a big fan of Jimmy Swaggart. Martha loved to attend sporting events with her family, but always made it known, in no uncertain terms, that she was clearly not a fan of any official calling the game.
Survivors include three sons, Paul David (and Sandra) Bernard, of Mascoutah, Illinois, Michael Lewis (and Theda) Bernard, of Crestview, Florida, and Jeffrey Lynn Bernard, of Liberty, Kentucky; a daughter, June Alice Blankenship, of Paintsville, Kentucky; two brothers, Jack (and Kathy) Burton, of Byrdstown, Tennessee, and Phillip Burton, of Edinburgh, Indiana; fifteen grandchildren, Jessie Leslie Bernard II, Stacey Lynn York, Tiffany Ann Antle, David Ashley Bernard, Paul Anthony Bernard, Rebecca Ann Wiggins, Tara Shay Gifford, Ashley Michelle Harris, Katherine Ann Wright, Michael Lewis Bernard II, James Ray Blankenship, Noah Thomas Blankenship, Richard Tyler Bernard, Kayla Robin Bernard, and Jordan Michael Veach; twenty-five great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews that loved her dearly.
In addition to her parents, Martha is preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-four years, David Russell Bernard; a son, Jesse Leslie Bernard; five brothers, Luther Burton, Albert Burton, Edgar Burton, Kenneth Burton, and Edward Burton; three sisters, Edith Bailey, Mary Kimbler, and Izena Burton; and son-in-law, Phillip Blankenship.
Funeral services are 2:00 PM CST Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Bro. Bodie Emerson officiating. Burial will follow in Lucinda Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 12:00 PM CST Sunday, until time of services, at the funeral home.
Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Martha Ann Bernard are entrusted to Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.