Berneda (Nairn) Usery

NETA USERY

GRAFTON - Berneda “Neta” Usery, 76, passed away at 3:15 a.m., Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at her home in Grafton.

Neta was born on September 5, 1949, at the family home in Grafton, the daughter of the late John Andrew and Edith Louise (Larbey) Nairn. Sister of former longtime mayor of Grafton, Windy Nairn and a lifelong Jersey County resident, she was deeply rooted in her community and proud of the life she built there. She graduated with the Class of 1967 from Jersey Community High School, carrying with her the friendships and values that would remain important throughout her life.

As a young woman, Neta worked at the A&W root beer stand in Grafton where she met and fell for Robert Monroe “Bob” Usery. At the time, Bob was in the United States Army and stationed at the NIKE Military Base. Following Bob’s service in Vietnam, the two were united in marriage on November 1, 1969, at the Grafton Methodist Church. Friends tell many stories of those days and how much fun they had together, riding motorcycles through Grafton and being young.

After settling down, Neta earned her beauticians license and ran a shop out of her home where she was known for her skill in fashioning up-do hairstyles. She later dedicated many years to

Jersey Community Unit School District #100, first as a cook at Grafton Elementary School and later as a custodian at both Grafton Elementary and East Elementary in Jerseyville. Her work

was more than just a job; Neta went above and beyond to help children and teachers, often donating school supplies or even Christmas trees.

Outside of work, Neta found joy in her garden and the company of her cats but also loved spending time with friends, playing cards and laughing together.

Neta and Bob shared nearly five decades together raising two children, building a home filled with feisty banter, laughter, and care for others. Bob preceded her in death on January 27,

2019.

In her final years, Neta received exceptional care from many different family members and friends. Her sister Doris was always there. Other family members Mandy Whitlock and Lisa

Nairn, along with friends Marsha Krueger and Sandy Desherlia were true blessings, showing unwavering dedication to Neta’s well-being. Incredible care was also provided by the staff from

the Jerseyville Health Department.

She is survived by her two children and their spouses; Douglas and Natasha Usery of Hartford, Alabama; and Leah and David Brunkow of Maryland Heights, Missouri; two grandchildren, Maeli

Belle and Saxon Usery; two sisters, Doris Whitlock of Godfrey and Virginia Thibodaux of Virginia; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles “Bucky” Nairn and Gerald “Windy” Nairn, and two sisters, Emma Louise Bradley and Maxine

Taulman.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, January 30, 2026, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Saturday. Burial will follow at

Scenic Hill Cemetery in Grafton.

Memorials may be given to the Jersey Community Unit School District #100 Foundation or to the Riverbend Humane Society.

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