Obituaries
Berniece Marie Jones- Kemble
November 22, 1930 - September 20, 2021
- Memorial Service
- September 25, 2021 | Celebration of Berniece's Life will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday
- United Methodist Church of Geneva 211 Hamilton Street Geneva, Il. 60134
Berniece Marie Jones-Kemble, a generous woman filled with optimism, intelligence, resilience, and grace, passed away in Geneva, Illinois on September 20, 2021. She was 90.
She was born on November 22, 1930, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Alvin Herbert Motley and Julia Irene Gray. Berniece grew up in and around Detroit, the youngest of four siblings. She was raised in the Church of the Nazarene and attended Olivet Nazarene College in Bourbonnais, Illinois. As a young woman at a time when air travel was glamorous, she had dreams of seeing the world as a stewardess but declined the job when the airline told her she couldn’t dye her hair. Instead, she worked in the personnel department at Packard Automotive Plant in Detroit in the 1950s.
On November 29, 1958, she married Wayne E. Jones in Michigan. Together they raised three daughters in Northbrook, Illinois, and Berniece got her chance to travel the world as a corporate wife supporting her husband’s career. While raising her family, she worked as an office manager at a steel company and hosted many dinner parties. Her gourmet cooking skills were renowned.
She was the founder of the Friendship League in Northbrook, Illinois, a member of the North Shore Women’s Club, and a long-time member of the Northbrook bridge group. She travelled to more than 30 countries and 49 of the 50 U.S. states.
After 52 years of marriage, Wayne died in 2011. Berniece married again on September 27, 2014, to John R. Kemble, whose wife had also passed after more than 50 years of marriage. Together, Berniece and John created a vibrant life in their 80s. They were active members of the United Methodist Church of Geneva. And they ventured far and wide for family gatherings, golf outings, and a family trip to France.
Berniece will be especially remembered for her adventurous spirit, her gracious hospitality, her generous nature, her beautiful smile, and the twinkle in her eye. Her family was the center of her life, and she poured her love into her children and grandchildren. She made an art out of creating a beautiful and loving home filled with joy and laughter, a place that was always welcoming to visitors.
Survived by her husband, John R. Kemble; daughters, Sandra Jones of Geneva, IL, Rebecca (William) LeFebvre of Odessa, FL; grandchildren, Cynthia LeFebvre of Marietta, GA, Ryann Deutsch of Milwaukee, WI, Clayton Deutsch of Batavia, IL, Hogan Deutsch of Batavia, IL, and Mishell LeFebvre of Odessa, FL. Stepchildren, Dana (Anthony) Dorsch of St. Charles, IL, and Mark (Veronica) Kemble of Stafford, VA. Step grandchildren, Ashley (Evan) Donoghue, Patrick (Angelina) Dorsch, Katie (Matt) Strazza, Joe Kemble, Brittany (Jackson) Flint, Brian Kemble, and Holly Kemble, and seven step great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by husband, Wayne E. Jones; daughter, Laura Deutsch (Billy) of Batavia; stepson, John Kemble, Jr. (LuAnn) of Murrieta, CA; siblings, Dorothy Harrison, Herbert Motley, and Gertrude Carruth.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 25 at 11:00 am at United Methodist Church of Geneva, 211 Hamilton St, Geneva, IL, 60134, with Rev. Rob Hamilton officiating.
To leave an online condolence or remembrance to the family, visit the funeral homes obituary page at www.yursfuneralhomes.com. For more information, please call Yurs Funeral Home of (St. Charles, 630-584-0060 or Geneva, 630-232-7337) or like us on Facebook.
Flowers are welcomed and donations may be made to the charity of the donors choice
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Condolences
Arthur G. Carvajal from Chicago, IL
"My family and I express our sincerest condolences to the Jones and Kemble families on the loss of your dear Berniece. She was a good person and I am glad I had the chance to know her. May she rest in Eternal Peace now."
Laura and Ira Feder from Oceanside , NY
"Sandy, your mom was a true lady in every sense of the word . She was beautiful, kind, strong, caring and patient. We send you all of our love at this time."
John Evans from Haines City, FL
"Berniece, she was one of a kind. Growing up we spent many of my most memorable times with Berniece, Wayne, Laura, Sandy and Becky. Playing Ping Pong in the basement, shooting freethrows with Wayne and just having great conversations and enjoying that time together. I have nothing but great memories of her and the family. My condolences to my cousins, i know its been a rough time lately. Love you"
Ann Erickson from St Charles, AK
"John, We’re so sorry you lost Berneice. The two of you made a wonderful couple. I hope you are well. Love, Ann Erickson"
Donald Harrison from Port St. Lucie, FL
"My Aunt Berniece was always nice and kind to me. I so appreciated her wonderful sense of humor. I remember so many good times so long ago. Rest in peace..."
Dale Harrison from Julian, CA
"My first memories of Aunt Berniece, her generous spirit and ready laugh, were as a boy in Detroit. She and Aunt Trudy gave the best presents a boy could want. She spent time to take us to special places, giving my mother a break as we boys could be a handful. Through the years, Berniece always exuded a joy with life. We are sorry for loss that will be felt by all of those who knew, loved and were close to her."
Phyllis and George Zubulake from Northbrook, IL
"We shall miss you dear Bernice. We loved our bridge games and participation in the Northbrook Woman's Club. Our deepest sympathy to you dear family."
Albert and Nola Pender from Geneva, IL
"Berniece was such a "Ray of Sunshine" at the Crossings. We enjoyed seeing her at parties and visiting with her. Her sweet disposition was very special. May she rest in peace in heaven after a life well-lived. She will be missed!"
adolph kunzelman from Geneva, IL
"sorry for your loss John, I did not know she was ill."
Larry Macy from River Forest, IL
"I have known Berniece and the Jones family for nearly 30 years and have always been impressed by their strength, resilience, intelligence and good hearted nature. There is no doubt in my mind that Berniece as the heart of the family has radiated these qualities to all who knew and loved her."
Marie Evans from Homosassa , FL
"Berniece was so special to me. Since coming into the family in 1976; I became an instant family member and always felt the love of Wayne and especially Berniece. The times we were together over the years were some. of the best times of my life. Staying with the girls while Berniece and Wayne got away on a much needed vacation All the times we went to each others homes for Sunday dinner. Many phones calls too numerous to remember. Berniece was a shining star to all who knew her. The most important things in her life was her family; especially her daughters. She wanted the very best life for her girls; Sandy, Becky and Laura. I could go on and on about this wonderful woman and I will miss her terribly. I know that the loss is unbearable for her immediate family and her extended family and friends. Rest In Peace to my wonderful Berniece. I loved you very much."
Cousin Ken from Whitmore Lake, MI
"Sandy, Becky and family. Aunt Berniece -a complete Joy - upbeat, fun, positive - making everyone around her feel welcome, always. When my career took me to Chicagoland Aunt Berniece was ready for the challenge. One day she said "It's time to get you a new wardrobe, your in Chicago now". Ha!! So off we went to a tailor she knew. We maxed out my credit cards and had a lot of fun doing it. The best I ever looked. Aunt Berniece exemplified Earths journey that will continue for her in Heaven. Stay Strong Cousins. Love Ken"
Anne Brennan Szpieg from Shelby Twp., MI
"I met my friend Bernice when we were employed by the Packard Motor Car Company. Bernice and I became fast friends and had so many fun times together. Bernice, I will miss you, our friendship, you’re contagious smile and the wonderful person you were. Sleep in peace my friend sleep in peace. Love, Anne"
Carol Considine from Dublin, OH
"To my dearest friend. You were the light in every relationship. I'm so happy we became friends over 50 plus years ago. Rest In Peace. Love to all your family, John, Becky and Bill, Sandy, grandchildren,etc ."
from ,
"My Dear Friend Sandy, Your Mom was a lovely person, kind hearted and generous. I am so glad I had the privilege to meet her. My heart goes out to you as you mourn the loss of your beautiful Mom. You have her beautiful smile and her lovely personality. Blessings to you and your family. With Love, Carra"