Carol Burket Simon Ireland

Carol Burket Simon Ireland, formerly of Berrien Springs, died March 20, 2020 in Lawrenceville, Ga.
Carol was born Jan. 27, 1927 in Osceola, Ind. to Norris and Effie (Tharp) Burket. In 1949, Carol married Louis Simon, Jr. who predeceased her in 1950. Carol worked at the Osceola branch of Mishawaka National Bank and it was there she met Eugene R. Ireland. They married in 1956. In 1961, the family moved to Berrien Springs. For 18 years, she was Director of Food Service for Berrien Springs Public Schools.
Carol always had a stack of books on the end table. Her love of reading resulted in her serving as the Secretary of the Board of Berrien Springs Community Library. She enjoyed singing and was a member of the Sweet Adelines, the women’s branch of the Barbershop Choruses. Her joy was time spent with her family. She was the queen of rump roasts and black cherry salad. Carol was our family rock, always ready with a smile and a kind word. Carol was a faithful servant to Our Lord and served as Treasurer of the Board of Berrien Springs United Methodist Church for many years. “Amazing Grace” was her favorite hymn. She is now living in eternal peace by the amazing grace Our Lord gave her.
Carol is survived by her two daughters: Kathy Simon (Roger) Kesterke of Berrien Springs and Anita Ireland (Scott) Chapman of Lilburn, Ga.; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Kirk Ireland of Kalamazoo; grandchildren: John (Denise) Kesterke of Walker, Mich., Amy Kesterke (Tim) Kissman of Mason, Mich., Lauren Ireland, Christopher Ireland, Molly Ireland of Kalamazoo; great-grandchildren: Autumn and Sage Kissman and Sydney and Jacob Kesterke.
Carol was predeceased by son, Jeffery Dean Ireland in 2008; husband, Gene in 2014; siblings: Clifford (Lillian), Carl (Edith), Cecil (Bunnie), Dean (Freya), Charles Burket, Doris (Paul) Spake and Kate (George) Walters.
Funeral services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Berrien Springs Community Library or the Alzheimer’s Association, 107 April Dr. Suite 1, Ann Arbor MI 48103. Messages online www.allredfuneralhome.com.

UPDATE: Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Allred Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 17, at the Berrien Springs United Methodist Church, followed by a graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery.