Bernice E. Jolley

Mrs. Bernice E. (Thompson) Jolley, 100, of Morris, IL joined her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Monday morning, May 5, 2025 at Serenity Estates in Morris. Her family praises God that her eternal joy has begun for “the Lord was her light and her salvation” (Psalm 27:1).

Born January 21, 1925, in Big Grove Township in Kendall County, Bernice was the daughter of Arthur and Paulina (Sjolie) Thompson. She received her education in the country schools of Kendall County. She was baptized and confirmed at West Lisbon Lutheran Church.

While working at the Morris Paper Mill, she met Burton M. Jolley. They eloped and were married in Davenport, Iowa on August 28, 1943. They lived most of their married life in Morris.

Bernice loved the Lord and enjoyed her family and her church friends. She was a faithful member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Morris and served the congregation for many years through the Ladies Aid. Bernice truly loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing games, and taking them on shopping trips. Bernice enjoyed gardening and tended to her many beautiful flowers until the age of 98.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her stepmother Mary, her husband Burton on October 20, 2000, her son Richard on March 6, 2011, her brothers Arnold and Laverne Thompson, and her sister Frances Matteson.

Surviving are a daughter Joanne (Kenneth) Torkelson of Morris, three grandchildren, Richard Jolley II of Morris, Kristine (Brad) Jacobson of Channahon, and Sarah (John) Koch of Appleton, WI, six great-grandchildren, Billy Talley of Seneca, Kyle Jacobson of Fairfax, VA, Sam Jacobson of St. Louis, MO, Molly Jacobson of Channahon, and Jacob and Abby Koch of Appleton, WI, one brother, Carl (Marilyn) Thompson of Elma, WA, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 11:00 am at Sample Cemetery in Morris with Pastor Patrick Lohse officiating.

Preferred forms of memorials are gifts to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Radio Fund.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.FrulandFuneralHome.com to sign the guestbook, upload photographs and share Bernice's memorial page online.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Fruland Funeral Home, 121 W. Jefferson St. in Morris (815)942-0700.