Joan Lillian Gernert

Joan Lillian Yaeger Gernert, beloved wife, mother, great grandmother and friend, went to be with her Lord and Savior on January 31, 2025. She was born on January 26, 1940, in St. Louis Missouri; and led a remarkable life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to her God, husband, family, extended family, and friends. Joan married her high school sweetheart Jay in 1959. She was first and foremost an ever-caring mother, having two sons Keith and Eric, then daughter Kim and adopting another, Kathleen. Joan was an avid believer in Christ, reading her bible and praying for others every day; and in constant service to the church, becoming a charter member of Our Savior Lutheran. Joan attended New Covenant ‘Walk to Emmaus’ where she renewed her voice of evangelism. Her passion for community led her to care for the homebound persons in each community she lived, as well as volunteer for the Kiwanis Club, Pace Plymouth Car Club, Minor Hill School, and Southern Regional Medical Center in Pulaski, TN. Joan was a true businesswoman, initially employed as a CPA data processor, then self-employed as In-Home sales representative, finally owning 'The General Store' in Minor Hill TN for 15 years, where she greeted everyone with a smile. In addition to Joan’s dedication to service and community, she loved the legacy of JJ Ranch, the Tennessee farm bought with her husband in 1978, and where her grandchildren reside today. The historic Puncheon school house was an honor for her to renovate and preserve. Nicknamed Granny Chocolate Chip, Joan enjoyed being a homemaker, and her mother’s hand-me-down recipes are a family treasure. To her children, she was the social hub of the family, keeping the prayers for wellness moving throughout the families’ many out-of-town relatives in Missouri and Pennsylvania. Her compassion for others has left an indelible mark and we will all carry Joan’s memory in our hearts always. Joan’s legacy of love, kindness, and laughter will continue to live on through her cherished family and friends. A "Celebration of Life" community gathering for Joan Gernert will be held March 1st, 2025 at Minor Hill Community Center on 167 Wray Branch Road Minor Hill, Tennessee. All are welcome to join in this remembrance and fellowship. Visitation with the family will be that day from 2pm-3pm, with a Celebration of Life service from 3pm-4pm, followed by a potluck community dinner from 4pm-5pm. Flowers, memorials, and casseroles will be received at the community center beginning at 8am. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Red Cross or St. Jude’s Children Hospital. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Fred Gernert, parents, Edward Fredrick and Francis Wunderlich Yeager, sister, Carol Kneff, and brother, Robert Yaeger. Joan is survived by: Daughter, Kim ( Jeff ) Kitzler of Atlanta, GA Son, Eric ( Jill ) Gernert of Athens, AL Son, Keith ( Alesia Spann ) Gernert of Danville, AL Daughter, Kathleen “KJ” ( Buddy ) Wilson of Madison, AL Grandchildren, Jeremy ( Whitney ) Gernert, Nonie ( Davis ) Mefford, Zachariah Kitzler, Micah Kitzler, Deborah Kitzler, and Caleb Lewsaw Great Grandchildren, Zoey Gernert and Kasen Gernert Brother-in-law, Eugene Kneff of St. Louis, MO Sister-in-law, Shirley Yeager of St. Louis, MO Several nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members also survive. Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Joan Lillian Gernert.

Joan Lillian Gernert

January 26, 1940 - January 31, 2025