Karen Bernard

Karen Sue Jones Bernard, of Lee County, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, on July 31, 2025. She was born on January 23, 1965, in Tifton, Georgia. 

Karen attended public schools in Cook County, Georgia, and graduated in 1983. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Valdosta State University in 1987. She was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. It was there she met the love of her life, Louis Bernard. They were married on February 14, 1988, in Lenox, Georgia, and soon after made their home in Albany, Georgia. She was a member of the Junior Women’s Club. She worked at C&S Bank/NationsBank in the trust department. 

Karen was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She took great joy in her family and was especially proud of her daughter, Claire Elizabeth, born on December 29, 1992. She was known as “KiKi” to her many beloved nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cohen and Doris Jones; her sister, Debbie Martin; two infant siblings; brothers-in-law Chuck King and Jerry Corbett. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Louis Bernard; her daughter, Claire Long (Adam); her sister, Lou Burton (John); sisters-in-law, Debbie Corbett, Anne Dodson (Duane), Judi Davis (Tom), and Peggy Faulk (Jim); nieces, Regina Martin, Lisa Khalil (Sam), and Kimberly Faulk; nephews, Scott Burton (Jessie), Ian Jones, Justin Jones (Jeanne), Britt Jones (Haley), Drew Dodson, Russell Dodson (Katherine), James Faulk, and Taylor Faulk (Jaclyn); great grand-nephew Ryder Sumler and many other cherished family members and friends. 

Karen will be remembered for her kindness, her wit, her strength, and the deep love she had for her family. 

There will be a private gravesite service with family only on August 23rd in Lenox, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in her honor.

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home has been given the honor to serve the Bernard family.