Carol Lee (Berna) Stead

Carol Lee Berna Stead, a fierce and mighty spirit, passed away at her home, on July 22, 2025. Born in Leota, IN, December 10, 1934, to Lester Anton and Gladys Alberta Comer Berna, Carol was a good and faithful servant. She was always willing to help with meals, health care needs, medical consultation or in any other way needed. She would even answer a call from a hungry grandson requesting food prep and an upstairs room delivery. Carol was happiest when she was helping or serving others. 

December 23, 1952 Carol married Dean Joseph Stead. She was a 1952 Scottsburg High School graduate and a 1978 IUS nursing school graduate. As an involved community member, Carol was a lifelong member of Bethel Baptist Church where she served as a trustee. Leota was made more beautiful by her gift as a Master Gardener. Scott County Public Library benefitted by the desire to share her love of reading. Carol enjoyed volunteering with the Scottsburg Historic Society. 

It is unknown how many dozens of cookies this Cookie Baking Master prepared in her lifetime. Grandsons knew where the cookie stash was kept, retrieving 1 or 2 or 6 on every visit. Grandma’s Fried Chicken dinner was highly anticipated on birthdays. Everyone was made to feel special. Often non-family members wrangled for an invitation. Grandma’s fried chicken was famous. The evening was made complete by a game of Shanghai cards. Carol often won, maybe because she kept score. It was the lucky player who sat to the left of Grandma. 

Friends and family were a loving, comforting constant stream in Carol’s final months and days. She enjoyed these visits and she was often heard to say: “Just one day at a time.” The one who came to encourage was the one who left encouraged. Caregivers Karen H., Granddaughter Brook, Dulcey, Tracey and Brooklyn provided the care which allowed Mom to spend her final days at home. 

Carol Lee was preceded in death by parents, Lester and Gladys Berna, husband, Dean Stead, sister-in-law Ruth Berna and son-in-law Dan Davis.

She is survived by daughters Karen Davis and Lynda Phillips (Matt). Grandchildren Scott McDill (Melody), Drew McDill (Brook), Sam Phillips (Tori) and Adam Phillips( Megan). Greatgrandchildren Connor McDill, Jett Proctor, Oliver McDill, Wiley McDill and Honey McDill. Brother David Berna (Nora), Niece Jill Jones (Alan) and Nephew Eric Berna (LeAnn) along with many other extended family. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Gladys A. Berna Education Fund in care of Scott County Community Foundation.

Early in Carol’s final illness, her grandchildren Sam and Tori announced they were expecting a baby. Soon it was discovered that in fact identical twin boys were anticipated. Grandma announced she was going to live to see her twin great grandsons. She did just that. Archer Joseph and Dawson Jay were born July 18, 2025. When granddaughter Brook said, “Grandma you lived to see those twins”. Grandma Carol responded “D*#! right I did!” The proud parents brought the boys to meet her July 22.

A visitation for family and friends to honor Carol will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Bethel Baptist Church of Leota, 3816 West Leota Road, Scottsburg, Indiana. A funeral service will follow at the church at 11:00 AM and she will be laid to rest at the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

Friends are invited to leave condolence messages for the family at www.christensenfamilyfuneral.com. 

Daniel and Betsy Christensen have been entrusted with the arrangements.