Bernice Laferne (Mooney) Martin, 83, of Johnston City, IL passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at her home surrounded by her family, following a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born in Fulton County, Arkansas, on August 19, 1933, to the late Hubert and Agnes Mooney. Laferne graduated from Ash Flat High School in Arkansas and moved to Kanas City, MO, where she worked for Sears, Roebuck and Co.
In 1953, she married Keith Martin. They celebrated 63 years of marriage on November 7, 2016.
Laferne was preceded in death by her parents Hubert and Agnes Mooney, her brother Albert and her granddaughter, Mindy Martin.
Laferne is survived by her spouse Keith Martin of Johnston City and her four children: her daughter Cathy (Mike) Linton of Johnston City; her sons Ronnie (Patti) Martin and Tim (Nancy) Martin of Johnston City; and her daughter Debbie (Mark) Koopman of Glen Ellyn, Il. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Grandchildren: Jason Linton, Jared (Maria) Linton, Megan (Matt) Leitzen, Mallory Martin, Mitch Koopman, Beth (Dan) Rack, Nicole (Justin) Towle, Alex Martin and Mikala Martin. Great grandchildren: Brennan Hayes, Jace Linton, Sydney Linton, Jay Linton, Kadyn Martin, Marcus Leitzen, Miles Leitzen, Colton Towle and Mason Towle. She is also survived by her sister, Iverne Pence, many nieces, nephews and countless friends
She was a gifted and loving person who never met a stranger. Her grandchildren called her Nana and she was affectionately known as Nana Fern among friends and family. She will be remembered for her kind heart and many talents, but particularly the delicious food she prepared and served with love and joy. In addition to cooking, she enjoyed gardening, canning, sewing and family get-togethers.
She was a beloved member of the Herrin Church of Christ.
Services will be held at Murman and Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City on Saturday February 25, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. The visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturday. Burial will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959.