Berdenia Marie "Bernie" Chorley

    Berdenia Marie "Bernie" Chorley, age 90, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at Sparrow Clinton Hospital, St. Johns, MI.

     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI, at 12:30 P.M. on Monday, March 7, 2022, with Deacon Robert Strouse officiating.  Burial will take place at Deepdale Cemetery, Lansing, MI.  Visitation will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

     Berdenia was born in St. Johns, Michigan on February 2, 1932, the sixth of the eleven children of Harry and Isabelle (Hopkins) Lance.  On February 11, 2012, Bernie married Virgil Pratt at the Duplain Church of Christ, St. Johns, MI; and he survives her.  Bernie loved country music and singing at Jamborees.  She enjoyed the outdoors and spending time in God's great creation.  She liked caring for her lawn and flowers.  She was an avid hunter and fisher and always liked to talk about her adventures.

     Bernie worked for Oldsmobile for 30 years.  As a woman in a man's world, she was a trailblazer and although very loving, she always spoke her mind.

     Bernie is survived by her husband Virgil; daughter Sherry Miller; son Gary (Rose) Purvis; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by 2 brothers: Guy (Marlene) Lance, and Ernie (Maxine) Lance; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, three husbands, and eight siblings.

     Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.