Julia Grace (Pinnick) Bernhard

December 26, 1958 - March 1, 2025

Julia Grace Pinnick was born in Lebanon, Indiana, on Dec. 26, 1958, to Royal and Phyllis Pinnick. As the middle of three daughters, Julia had fond memories of spending her elementary years in Recife, Brazil while her father provided clean water for the locals. Julia was born again on Dec. 26, 1971 and baptized in her local church.

A 1976 graduate from LaSalle High School in South Bend, Indiana, she then attended Bemidji State University, graduating with Bachelor’s degrees in History and Spanish. After graduate studies at Wheaton College, she worked for Chase Bag Company until God called her to be a homemaker. She met her husband of 36 years, Mark Louis Bernhard, at Westgate Chapel in Toledo, Ohio, and they were married there on May 7, 1988. She always supported and encouraged Mark, helping him complete seminary and then advancing his career from church-planting pastor to chaplain. They took many leaps of faith together, prioritizing raising a Christian family and homeschooling their three children, older daughter Jill Marlene, son Royal “Brett”, and younger daughter Meredith Robin. Not only was she their homeschool and piano teacher in their early childhood years, she became their best friend and confidante as they grew up into adulthood. “Grandmother Dear” cherished every opportunity with her four grandchildren, Carly Jane, Kelton David, Audrey Paige, and Weston Caleb. She prepared a delightful toy room and often hosted them for sleepovers.

Julia’s love for her family was rooted in her deep and abiding faith in God. She talked daily with Jesus and filled hundreds of journals with what He was teaching her from His Word and prayers that she prayed, including those for people she had never even met. She was a part of various prayer groups and had many prayer partners throughout the years. She taught her family the importance of reading the Bible and praising the Lord. Her love for her family was evidenced in her homemaking. As a meticulous house-cleaner, she was always prepared to demonstrate hospitality. She made many meals and hosted Sunday dinner guests after church almost weekly. Her clean home was a place of peace and tranquility. Besides hosting guests, stray cats found their way to her door and she welcomed them. Her yard revealed her appreciation for gardening and plants. One of her favorite aspects of her Topeka townhome was getting to have a pool and tennis court. Other of her favorite activities included sewing, crocheting, cooking and baking, and singing with her family. She thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people, was a compassionate listener, and always gave the best advice.

Although her family and her home were her highest priorities, Julia became a part of many different organizations. Notable mentions include Camp Jim counselor, Christian Homeschoolers of Topeka Area treasurer, Girl Scout leader, Bible Study Fellowship Leader(discussion and children’s), Community Bible Study prayer chairman, First Presbyterian Garden Club member, Daughters of American Revolution chapter member, Gage Park Renisch Rose Garden volunteer, and 24/7 Strategic Prayer Call intercessor and facilitator.  She had a love for politics and worked the polls for many elections. She was elected precinct committeewoman in 2022.

Julia entered the presence of her Savior on March 1, 2025. She is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her husband, Mark Bernhard, daughter Jill Packard, son Brett Bernhard, daughter Meredith Bernhard, son-in-law David Packard and grandchildren Carly, Kelton, Audrey, and Weston Packard, all of Topeka. Julia is also survived by her sisters Laurel Robertson (Ferguson, NC) and Leslie James (Laporte, MN).

Julia’s family is grateful to the staff at Brio Medical Center in Scottsdale, Arizona and the Midland Hospice House in Topeka for their care and support.

A private burial has taken place. The family will receive visitors on Friday, March 7th, from 5-8pm at Wanamaker Woods Church of the Nazarene in Topeka. The funeral will be held Saturday, March 8th at 10am. Julia loved dressing up for events, and we all loved her classy fashion style. To honor her, the family requests semi-formal attire be worn. Her favorite color is white.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 19th at 11am at First Presbyterian Church in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Donations in Julia’s memory can be made to the Spanish Church that was near and dear to her heart, Betel Iglesia Bautista Biblica ℅ Pastor Joshua Thompson, 16777 CR 1726 Odem, TX 78370. Topeka Chapel Oaks Cremation & Funeral Services is honored to serve the family.

05/09/2026 EJS

https://www.chapeloaksne.com/obituary/julia-pinnick-bernhard