Julia Bernot

JULIA AKERS BERNOT, GRANNY

Cedar Rapids

Julia Akers Bernot, Granny, passed away peacefully Jan. 13, 2017. To know her was to love her. She will be unbelievably missed by all her family and friends. May she walk in the Lord's House forever. And He said to her, "Daughter, be good cheer; your faith has made you well. Go in peace." Luke 8:48

Julia was born Nov. 24, 1952, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Vernon and Inez Akers, the oldest sister to David Akers and Sandra Cox. Julia enjoyed life to the fullest, had room in her heart for everyone, and held many talents. In her younger years, she played cello, was a Campfire Girl, was a seamstress making her own dresses and was on the swim team. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1971. After graduation, Julia traveled as a military wife to California, returning to Iowa in 1976. Julia took night classes for composition at Coe Community College and began her writings. She spent her days volunteering as a computer aide at the elementary school library of her daughters', Angela and Kristina. Julia enjoyed recreational biking, pitching fast-pitch softball, swimming at the beach with her girls, fishing and a good game of Scrabble.

Julia married her forever love, John J. Bernot Jr., on July 17, 1984. They moved their young family to Columbus A.F.B, Mississippi for two years before relocating to Ellsworth A.F.B. in the beautiful Black Hills, where they made their home. Julia worked at the Officer's Club, was an active member of the Enlisted Wives Club and volunteered at the base library, sharing her talents creating inspirational bulletin boards. Julia graduated from Western Dakota Vo-Tech with an associates as an administrative assistant and worked for Hi-Qual Manufacturing until John's military retirement in spring 2001. John and Julia relocated to warmer climates at Tinker A.F.B. in Edmund, Okla.

Julia volunteered at Oklahoma Kids Place, receiving numerous accolades for her dedication and support to the Oklahoma communities as well as the youth in New York after Sept. 11. Julie also volunteered for the Joyce Meyer Ministry and continued her writings. She loved to share her stories and made uncountable friends along her journey. Granny Says series was close to her heart, as well as ours and many others.

John and Julia returned to the Black Hills in 2004. She spent her days creating love in afghans, being a devoted homemaker, and her greatest joy being a Granny to Kasandra, David, Annabelle and Charlie.

This day we lay her body to rest, but she lives forever in our hearts and with the Lord in Heaven. Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Inez Akers; and nephew, Samuel Cox.

Julia is survived by her husband, John J. Bernot Jr.; daughters, Angela (Don) Moseman and Kristina (Courtney) Good; cherished grandchildren, Kasandra, David, Annabelle and Charlie; siblings, David Akers and Sandra (Marty) Cox; and nephews, Nathaniel and Alex.

Julia was a devoted wife, homemaker, mother, sister, Granny and friend to all.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at Kirk Funeral Home, 1051 E. Minnesota St., Rapid City, S.D. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24, at the funeral home followed by cookies and coffee. At 11:45 a.m., we will proceed to the interment at Black Hills National Cemetery, 20901 Pleasant Valley Dr., Sturgis, S.D.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27.