Jama Lee (née Brantley) Berger

IN MEMORY OF: Jama Lee (née Brantley) Berger Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Jama Lee (née Brantley) Berger of Murphysboro, passed away on the afternoon of Friday, June 26, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Jama was beloved by many and widely known for her glowing personality. She was born on September 6, 1939 to Elza and Evelyn (née Loy) Brantley. Jama was a standout student, which included her receiving a "perfect attendance award" achieved for her entire 12 years of schooling. She was crowned as Murphysboro Township High School's Homecoming Queen in 1957. She graduated in 1957. She was awarded a scholarship to Southern Illinois University, where she attended for a time. Jama married her high school sweetheart, Harold Dean Berger on June 14,1958, at First Lutheran Church in Murphysboro. They remained husband and wife until his death in December of 2016. In 1997 Jama retired from over twenty years of service with the Murphysboro School District. She spent the majority of those years working as secretary for Washington Elementary and later Lincoln Elementary Schools. Later in life Jama dabbled in real estate sales and enjoyed working as a secretary in the office of Scott Evans, CPA. Jama was fully committed and passionate about her relationship with Jesus Christ. She desperately wanted others to know and experience His peace and love. She is undoubtedly, excited to be in the kingdom of heaven, worshiping with her Lord & Savior. She served many years as secretary for the local chapter of the Women's Aglow group. She volunteered in many different capacities over the years at church. She was a member of the Vine Community Church. Jama was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, and infant grandson, Gabriel Berger. Jama dearly loved her children and grandchildren. She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Greg and Anne Berger of Edwardsville, Brett and Jessica Doerr-Berger of Murphysboro, and Timothy and Kimberly Berger of Murphysboro; five grandchildren, Andrew Dean Berger, Andersen Kaitlyn (Rachel) Berger, Grant Lee (Erin) Berger, Zachary Lee Berger, and Brianna Faith (Connor) Doerr, and one great grandchild, Sebastian Dean Berger. She will be dearly missed by family and friends. Services will be held on Monday, June 29th, at the Crain Funeral Home - Downtown Murphysboro , 1421 Walnut St Murphysboro, IL 62966 Visitation will begin at noon with a funeral service beginning at 2:00pm. There will be a private burial for immediate family. The family Requests with gratitude that memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and/or the Alzheimer’s Association. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements.

Jama Lee (née Brantley) Berger

September 6, 1939 - June 26, 2026