Martha Donene Gernand, 76, of Beaumont, died peacefully in her sleep on April 6, 2016 at her home. She was born on January 6, 1940 in Beaumont to Don Delbert McGowan and Irene Deloris Sullivan McGowan of Silsbee, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday April 9, 2016 at Claybar Kelley-Watkins with interment to follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Friday, April 8, 2016.

She attended Silsbee High School and graduated in 1957. On August 24, 1959 she married her husband, William Beryl Gernand, of 44 years until his death on February 1, 2003. They were blessed with four children in their loving marriage. She worked at Baptist Hospital until her retirement at age 62.

Martha is preceded in her death by her parents, Don and Irene McGowan; her two brothers, Billy Joe and Kelly D. McGowan and her husband, William Gernand.

Martha is survived by her children, Charles Thomas Gernand and wife, Diane Gernand of Georgia, Kyle Wade Gernand of Buna, Joseph Scott Gernand and wife Sandra Gernand of Jasper, and Melissa Irene Gernand and Michael Wedsted of Beaumont. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.