Berniece Ann Lillegard

Berniece Lillegard (Hauschen), a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on November 22, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa, to George Leroy and Francis Marie Hauschen (Foust). Berniece will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, strength, Christian faith, and dedication to her family. She found immense joy in her loved ones, as well as in quilting, sewing, supporting her church, traveling with her husband, and spending time with her friends.

Berniece married William Donald (Don) Lillegard on August 5, 1953. During Don’s career in the U.S. Army, they lived in six states and Puerto Rico, and also spent two years in Germany. Berniece managed their home and carried the full responsibility of parenting during Don’s three deployments over his twenty-year Army career. After Don retired from the Army in 1972, they settled in Conley, Georgia, where he worked for General Electric (GE). They moved to Hampton in 1997, where Berniece resided until her passing.

Berniece and Don joined Morrow Presbyterian Church on January 9, 1994. She became the Church Historian in 1998 and served faithfully in that role for more than sixteen years. She also served as Chairperson of the Dorcas Circle in 1996 and as Co-Chair for at least three additional years. For many years, she generously volunteered her talents and her time to church projects, especially those involving handiwork or sewing, including the Circles Projects. She also served as the Pastor’s Aid and as Treasurer of the Arnold/Bates Sunday School class for many years. In addition, she was an active member of the Church’s Young at Heart group. She was honored with a Lifetime Membership in 2014.

Berniece is preceded in death by her husband, William Donald Lillegard; her parents, George Leroy and Francis Hauschen (Foust); four of her sisters, Mary Ellen, Estelle Ruth, Shirley Jean, and Joan Marie; and her two brothers, John Leroy and Gerald Regan. She is survived by her sister June Manwarren of Emmetsburg, Iowa; her children Bryan Lillegard of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Bruce Lillegard of Raphine, Virginia, and Gay Corley (Dave) of Hampton, Georgia. She is also survived by five grandchildren—Walter Lillegard (Nancy), Vincent Lillegard (Remy), Brittany Cocina (Nick), Cynthia Corley (Bradley), and Philip Lillegar —and four great-grandchildren: Alexander, Oliver, Grayson, and Archer.

Funeral services will be held at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA, on December 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Morrow Presbyterian Church, PO Box 316, Morrow, GA 30260