The world lost a beautiful and beloved lady, Mary Janette Cook Berman, age 79, on Saturday, March 13, 2021 surrounded by her family in Huntsville, Alabama that became her “happy place” in October, 2020.
While Jan had physical challenges with her heart for some time, her heart overflowed with love, happiness, and devotion to her family and friends until the end.
The daughter of the late Mary Ludean Cook, of Vernon, Alabama and the late L.C. Cook of Paris, Mississippi. Jan was born in Vernon on July 18, 1941. She graduated from Lamar County High School in 1958 and went on to receive an education in Business Administration in Birmingham and attended the Mississippi Women’s College in Columbus, MS.
Jan and her late husband, Bennett Mayer Berman, raised their two girls in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Jan worked beside her husband in their family business, Bennett’s Marina, where she worked as the office manager.
Jan was a devoted mother and grandmother and nothing gave her more joy. She always said her children and grandchildren were her greatest accomplishment. Jan enjoyed working in her garden, reading, and the season of Alabama football. Morning coffee on the patio at sunrise was peaceful as she truly loved the beauty of her surroundings.
Jan was an amazing cook and enjoyed collecting recipes. Each year, Jan would prepare the entire Thanksgiving feast and would welcome family in her home with great love. The needs of others were always put ahead of her own.
Jan leaves cherished memories for her daughters and family. Louisa Berman & her husband Tristan Plaisance (Atlanta, GA) and their two children (Adelyn & Bennett); Paula Newman & her husband, Dan Newman (Huntsville, AL) and their three children (Barrett, Margaret “Maggie”, and Davis), caring and dedicated brother, Charles Cook, and nephew, Chris Cook (Vernon, AL) and many more family and friends.
We will miss Jan’s smile, companionship, humor, laughter, and caring presence. She was a nurturing mother, beloved wife, caring sister, devoted friend, and loving grandmother. May her memory be a blessing.
The family will be receiving visitors at 2403 Bankhill Circle SE, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763 on March 20, 2021 from 3:00-6:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of Jan’s love for her late husband, Bennett.
