Deanna Berns

Deanna Berns, born Deanna Hedges, grew up in the Northfield and Montpelier area of Vermont as the daughter of Theodore G. Hedges and Gladys M. Hedges and the sister of Deane Hedges and Richard Hedges. She later served as director of publications at Norwich University, bringing skill and care to the university’s printed work. For many years she also worked at the gift shop at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, where her warmth and steady presence were well known. A talented painter, she enjoyed golf and was an avid cribbage player. She loved to dance and spent many years with friends at the Legion in Montpelier. She took pleasure in having her hair and nails done, and she filled her days with family, travel, and the quiet rewards of home.

On July 4, 1981, in Calais, Vermont, she married Charles “Chuck” Berns, a veteran with more than thirty years of military service who held ratings as a pilot in single- and dual-engine aircraft and helicopters. They made their home in Montpelier, where they tended gardens whose pride and joy was her magnolia tree. Together they traveled often, including a dream trip to Germany, and shared a life centered on home and one another. Chuck died at home on November 20, 2012, surrounded by family.

Deanna was the mother of John Shayne Emond, married to Jillian Emond, and of Sheri Dee Berns-Wright, married to Gene Wright. She also had Sue Jacobs as a “bonus daughter” who spent many summers with the family. Among her stepchildren were Steve Berns and James (Jim) Berns. John and Jillian have four children: John Jr., Timothy, Shayna, and Riley. Sheri and Gene have Chloe, married to Neil Brooks, Theadora, and son Braden. Chloe and Neil have three daughters, Skylar, Olive, and Elise. Theadora has a daughter, Zora, with a second daughter on the way. Deanna spent years traveling with Sheri and Gene and caring for her grandchildren. She cherished time with her family and with her beloved pets, including Teddy Bear, Dusty, and Casper.

She is predeceased by her husband, Charles “Chuck” Berns; by her brother Deane Hedges; and by stepchildren Anna May, Vicki, and Scott. She is survived by her children John Shayne Emond and Sheri Dee Berns-Wright, and Sue Jacobs; by her stepchildren Steve Berns and Jim Berns; by her brother Richard Hedges; by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and by the many friends who knew her warmth, her steady presence, and the magnolia tree that stood as a living reminder of the home she made.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 825 N Belair Rd, Evans, GA 30809, with Rev. Neil Brooks officiating. Interment will be at the Vermont Veterans Cemetery, 487 Furnace Rd, Randolph Center, VT 05061 at a later date.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com