Jean was born in Kankakee, Illinois to the late Helen J. and Ralph W. Emerson on July 2, 1944. After moving to Evansville with her family, Jean attended Stanley Hall Elementary School and Bosse High School, graduating in 1962. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Evansville College in 1965 and a Master of Arts from the University of Evansville in 1968.
Following her husband, Donald W. Bernhardt, to St. Louis where he was pursuing his graduate degree at Eden Theological Seminary, Jean taught third grade at Bermuda Elementary School in Ferguson, MO. After three years at Bermuda, Jean and Don returned to Evansville where she taught at Vogel Elementary, Helfrich Park Elementary, Cynthia Heights Elementary and Perry Heights Middle School. Jean was recognized in April 1994 as Reading Teacher of the Year. She was very surprised and honored to be chosen. Jean took an early retirement at age 55 so she and Don could spend their days babysitting with their five grandchildren. Jean taught 34 years.
Jean was very active in the churches that she and Don served. Both at Zoar UCC and Bethel UCC, she taught Sunday School and Children’s Church, worked and led Vacation Bible School, served on numerous committees and boards, and participated in many, many church events.
Jean was also involved in several clubs and organizations. She was a charter member of her Home Economics Club, Honey Bees, in which she was active for 48 years. She was a 57-year member of P.E.O., and a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.
Jean married her love, Don, on August 21, 1965. They were blessed with two daughters, Sara Beth and Susan Kay.
Jean and Don spent a lot of time at Barkley Lake boating, swimming, and entertaining friends. Ormond Beach, Florida was another favorite place to vacation with family and friends. They also had many traveling vacations with friends.
Jean is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Don, daughters Sara Umbach (John) and Susan Kemper (Brady), five grandchildren Emily Nicole Soap (Nehemiah), Elise Victoria Umbach, Clint Brady Kemper, Ellie Caroline Kemper, and Kayla Suzanne Kemper. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Ann Crosby, nieces Joyce Crosby (Saki Labos) and Daphne Raider, nephews Bruce Crosby, Ryan Bernhardt, Kyle Bernhardt (Jessica), Dr. Richard Bernhardt (Carrie), and Kenny Raider (Sarah), brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Richard and Jane Bernhardt, Connie Bernhardt, and Daniel and Debra Bernhardt, along with many cousins, great nieces and nephews, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
A memorial service will be held at Bethel United Church of Christ, 3029 N. Green River Rd., Evansville, Indiana 47715 at 10:00 AM Thursday, May 12. Visitation will be at Alexander Funeral Home, West Chapel 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 11, and 9:00 AM to service time at the church. Burial will be at Alexander Memorial Park.
Memorial Contributions can be made to Bethel United Church of Christ, 3029 N. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715, Zoar United Church of Christ, 4600 Church Rd., Evansville, IN 47720, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, 560 E. Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711, Albion Fellows Bacon Center, P.O. Box 3164, Evansville, IN 47731, and Hoyleton Children’s Home, 350 N. Main St., Hoyleton, IL 62803.
Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.
