Joyce Bernhard

Mrs. Joyce Irene Bernhard, 93, of Greenville, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at the Miami Co Hospice house, Troy, Ohio. Born May 15, 1932, in Frederick, MD, she was the daughter of the late Jesse Mitchell and Flora May (Delauter) Burall.

Joyce was the faithful and supportive wife of her husband, Fred, a longtime pastor. The two worked in tandem in their ministries, with Joyce as a Sunday school and preschool teacher whose patience, kindness and gentle nature made children adore her. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She loved to cook, famous for the massive spreads of food that filled the tables at her post-church Sunday dinners. Her Amish noodles, comforting ham loaf and award-winning black-bottom cupcakes, a staple in her home state of Maryland, were favorites among her family. Flowers brightened Joyce’s days, almost as much as the birds that flocked to her feeder, always within view. Cardinals, goldfinch, even those pesky Blue Jays, Joyce loved feeding and watching them all. She was quick with an infectious laugh that brought happiness to so many.

She was preceded in death by her husband, H. Fred Bernhard (2024), daughter-in-law, Patty Bernhard (2019), granddaughter, Melissa Renee Bernhard (2004), brothers, W. Leroy “Buzz” Burall (2011), William “Bill“ E. Burall (2010) and Jesse I. Burall Sr. (2010).

Joyce is survived by her sister, Addie May Null, three children, Barbara (Wayne) Huffer, Howard Bernhard and Thomas (Melodie) Bernhard; grandchildren Kim (Wayne) Robertson, Lori Huffer, Robert (Alyssa) Bernhard, Rachel Bernhard and Tyler Maas, Carrie (Matt) Banks and Michael (Jessica) Bernhard; great-grandchildren David Huffer, Jordan (Emily) Haugh, Jacob (Kelsey) Haugh, Hadley Banks and Logan Banks; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 am Saturday, April 18, at Oakland Church of the Brethren, 8058 Horatio-Harris Creek Rd, Bradford, Ohio. The Celebration of Life service will begin at 11 am, with Pastor Bob Bitner officiating. A light meal will be served afterwards. Arrangements have been entrusted to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio.

Contributions may be given to Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County, 320 N. County Rd 25A, Troy, OH 45373 or the Oakland Church of the Brethren Memorial Garden fund, 8058 Horatio-Harris Creek Rd, Bradford, Ohio 45308.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the Bernhard family.