Bernita Bernice (Shann) Clarkson, 91, of Olney, died on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. She was born on September 15, 1928 in Richland County, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur and Mabel (Delzell) Shann. She married Orval Clarkson on August 18, 1979, and he preceded her in death on April 10, 2010.

Bernita moved to Cedarhurst in Bethalto, Illinois, on July 11, 2018. She enjoyed playing bingo, exercising, and being social with the other residents and employees at Cedarhurst. Bernita enjoyed her last two years spending time with her great grandchildren. She always had a basket of toys for the little ones and enjoyed helping the older ones with schoolwork. Bernita loved to share stories about her time at Eastern Illinois University and was very proud to be a 4th grade teacher. She always had her door open to anyone that was willing to come in and chat with her. Her contagious laugh and words of wisdom will always be remembered. Bernita taught fourth grade in Newton, and she taught high school in Noble. She loved her nearly 34-year career as a teacher and talked about it often. Bernita enjoyed riding her bicycle around the neighborhood. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Organization and Home Extension. Bernita was a loving mom, granny, and great granny. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Her famous last words were always, “Come back and see me anytime.” 

Bernita is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Russell) Gerber, Sandy (Mark) Kocher, and Brenda (David) Brueckner; grandchildren, Chad (Kelley) Gerber, Ryan (Beth Wolfgang) Gerber, Lindsey (Waco) Webb, Tara (Craig Arteberry) Jenner, Tyler (Bryanna) Kocher, Matthew (Leah) Brueckner, Kristen (Matthew) Toner, and Bradley (Jessica) Brueckner; great grandchildren, Jessica, Allyson, Dylan, Marley, Alayna, Stetson, Stella, Scarlett, Shane, Brayden, Karlee, Kintner, Madelyn, Meredith, Miles, Emma, Ella, Abigail, Nora, Grant, Gavin, Ava, and Rebekah; sister-n-law, Audra Shan; long-time farmer and nephew, Ken Shan; niece Pam (Jim) Phelps and nephew Wayne (Vivian) Shan.

Bernita was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Burton Shan; grandson, Shane Gerber; and great granddaughter, Rory Kocher.

There will be a private Family Service held, with interment at Crest Haven Memorial Park in Claremont.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney – April 2, 2020