Jerry Barnes Berger

BERGER, JERRY BARNES (1924 ~ 2017). The following is an obituary for Jerry Barnes Berger, spouse of former Texas Water Commission Member Bill Berger. The obituary was provided by Weed, Corley, Fish Funeral Home of Austin.

Jerry June Barnes Berger, 93, of Austin, TX, joined her heavenly family on Dec. 3, 2017, leaving behind her husband of almost 75 years, William E. (Bill) Berger, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jerry was born in Waelder, TX, to William Edgar and Lexie Anna Barnes on March 22, 1924. She and her brother Bill enjoyed the additional love and attention of grandparents and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins during her childhood in small-town Texas.

She attended the University of Texas, majoring in Home Economics. In the fall of 1942, the home economics students hosted a get-together on campus for soldiers from Camp Swift, located near Bastrop. It was over Texas barbecue that she met Bill Berger, a young soldier from Illinois. After a quick romance, they married on February 26, 1943, at Fort Sam Houston Chapel in San Antonio. She continued her studies at the University, graduating in 1944, while Bill was stationed at numerous posts across the country and in the Pacific Theatre.

Jerry taught high school in Gonzales, TX, until Bill returned home in early 1946. They purchased a newspaper in Hondo, TX, where they worked side-by-side to produce the weekly paper. While raising three children, she assisted at the newspaper and participated in school activities, garden club, and church programs and still found time to play bridge with numerous friends. She also loved gardening.

In 1965, the family moved to Austin when Bill was appointed to the Texas Water Commission. She was an active member at First United Methodist Church and was also in the women's auxiliary of the Lions Club, the Austin State Official Ladies' Club, the Austin Woman's Club, P.E.O., and bridge groups. For more than 20 years, she enjoyed her volunteer work as a docent at the Texas Governor's Mansion.

Jerry seemingly had the gift of sheer luck, winning many wonderful prizes in numerous contests and drawings over the years. She may have been lucky but her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were lucky to have had her in their lives for so many years, enjoying countless holiday meals and gatherings in the family home.

She is survived by her husband, Bill; children Ed (Jan) Berger, Barbara (Glenn) Wilson, and Jeff (Tracy) Berger; grandchildren Meredith (Spencer) Chambers, Emily (Brad) Buchanan, Greg (Jennelle) Berger, Chris (Angela) Wilson, Kevin (Paige) Wilson, and Lexie and Lindy Berger; and great-grandchildren Abby, Will and Ava Buchanan, Phillip and Braden Chambers, Carson and Trent Berger, and Austin, Reagan and Anderson Wilson.

The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the caring staff of the Arbour at Westminster Manor, which took such good care of Jerry for nearly eight years.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Weed-Corley-Fish, 3125 North Lamar Blvd. in Austin. A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 2:30 pm, with the Reverend Taylor Fuerst officiating. She will be laid to rest at the Texas State Cemetery during a private service for the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca Street, Austin, TX 78701, or the charity of one's choice.