Margaret “Bernena” Harris Brainard

Margaret “Bernena” Harris Brainard, age 96, of Savannah passed away Sunday, February 12, 2023 at home.

Mrs. Brainard was born on March 23, 1926 in Valdosta, GA, the daughter of the late Turner Cleveland Harris and Bessie Sutton Harris. She was a charter member of Taliaferro Baptist Church and continued as a loyal member of Whitemarsh Island Baptist Church after Taliaferro closed. She had perfect attendance in Sunday School for 65 years. She played softball as a catcher up until age 62.

Mrs. Brainard was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Wesley Dale “Rusty” Brainard; sister, Barbara West; and granddaughter, Donna. She is survived by her daughters, Ann Gillis (Bob) of Savannah, GA, Jan Brainard of Norcross, GA, Barbara Eileen Minelli (Larry) of Chicago, IL, and Shirley Ellis (Rufus) of Savannah, GA; grandchildren, Joe, Dale, Jerry, Michael, David, and Laura; 12 great grandchildren; and 5 great great grandchildren.

The family will be receiving friends from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Friday, February 17, 2023 at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hodgson Memorial Chapel, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.

A graveside funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 17, 2023 at Greenwich Cemetery.

Flowers are accepted or remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Hospice Savannah.