Jean Elizabeth Smith Bernhardt passed away on September 23, 2018. She was born on August 8, 1918, in Spartanburg, SC, to Yates and Bessie Lynch Smith. She spent part of her childhood in Lynchburg, VA, before returning to Spartanburg where she lived until she graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1935. She graduated from Shorter College in Rome, GA, with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Music degree. She taught music in Inman, SC, and in Fairmont and Forest City, NC. She then moved to Lenoir in 1945 where she established a piano teaching studio, which she maintained until retirement in 2007. She became full-time organist at First Presbyterian Church (now Lenoir Presbyterian Church) in 1945. Upon retirement from that position in 1997, she continued as a substitute organist until 2008.
Jean was a longtime member of the Lenoir Community Music Club where she served as president. A music club scholarship fund was established in her honor. She has also been a longtime member of the Wise & Otherwise Book Club and her Tuesday Bridge Club, where she made many lasting friendships. She was also a longtime member of Circle #2 at her church where she served as a Bible Leader. In 2014 at the fourth annual Loving Lenoir Concert, a concert to honor music/arts educators who have made a difference, Jean was one of the honorees who received The Pinnacle Award.
Jean was married to Lynn Richmond Bernhardt from August 1946 until his death in April 2007. She is survived by their three children, Lynn Richmond, Jr. (Ivey), Betsy Cooper (Tom), and Lucy Lanier (David); her grandchildren, Chrissy Wright (Wes), Matthew Lanier, Andrew Cooper, Rebecca Kramer (Alex), and Lora Bernhardt; her great-grandchildren, Sarah and Rachel Wright, Natalia Bernhardt, and Augustus and Samuel Kramer; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, her two sisters, and a brother.
A graveside service will be held at 12:15 PM Monday, October 1, 2018 at Blue Ridge Memorial Park. A Service of Praise and Celebration will follow at 1:00 PM in the Sanctuary of Lenoir Presbyterian Church. The family will greet friends immediately following the service in the Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lenoir Presbyterian Church Organ Fund, 1002 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Pendry’s Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Jean Elizabeth Smith Bernhardt.
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