JoAnn L. Kernick

JoAnn Ruth Lang Kernick, lovingly known as "Nina," passed away on February 8, 2026, in Corpus Christi, Texas, at the age of 84. She leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and deep devotion to her family and community.

JoAnn was born on October 6, 1941, in Evanston, Illinois, to Ann and Hilbert Lang. She grew up alongside her siblings, Tom Lang and Barbara Schneider. She attended St. Mary's Academy in Nauvoo, Illinois before eventually making her way to Texas, where she built both her career and her lifelong home. She studied at Del Mar College and earned her bachelor's degree in sociology from Corpus Christi State University, graduating summa cum laude and earning a place on the Dean's List each semester.

JoAnn's life was defined by her remarkable ability to bring people together with dignity and mutual respect. In 1986, she became Executive Director of The National Conference, where she developed 19 program areas focused on youth leadership, education, interfaith dialogue, and workplace equality. Her leadership and dedication to unity and understanding left a lasting mark on the community.

Her civic involvement extended across numerous organizations. She was active with the NAACP, served on the YWCA public policy committee, contributed to the Martin Luther King Jr. activities planning committee, and worked with Nueces County Dispute Resolution Services. In 1995, she received the Bernice Leonard Community Activist Award from the Corpus Christi Housing Authority, joining a distinguished group of honorees that included Governor Ann Richards. A proud graduate of the 24th class of Leadership Corpus Christi, she later served as alumni secretary and was named Alumna of the Year in 2004.

JoAnn also devoted her time to health advocacy as co-chair of First Friday, an organization dedicated to breast cancer awareness and providing free mammograms to women in need.

Before her extensive nonprofit work, JoAnn enjoyed a successful career in real estate. In 1979, she was honored as a member of the Million Dollar Producer Club for her record-breaking sales year with Tompkins Young Home Sales.

At the heart of JoAnn's life was her family. She married Charles "Chuck" G. Kernick on February 8, 1965, and together they shared 61 beautiful years of marriage. They raised three children, Joe Kernick (Kristina), Dana Pickett (Jim), and Kelly Jackson (Rob). She was a proud and devoted grandmother, "Nina," to seven grandchildren, Jessica Anderson, Ryan Pickett, Blake Fidiam (Caleb), Riley Jackson, Taylor Jackson, Natalie Kernick, and Reese Jackson. She was a great grandmother to Colby and Finn Anderson.

JoAnn found great joy in creating a welcoming home filled with family heirlooms and local art. In 2003, she and Chuck completed a two-year remodel of the home they had owned since 1973, turning it into their dream home, a space designed for gathering, celebration, and togetherness.

Whether she was advocating for social justice, supporting community initiatives, or volunteering to transport "artsy dolphins" for a downtown festival, JoAnn approached life with energy, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the family who cherished her deeply.

She will be remembered for her strength, grace, and the unity she fostered throughout her life.

A celebration of JoAnn's life will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the pavilion at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 IH 37 Access Road, Corpus Christi, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends to honor JoAnn's memory with donations to their favorite charity.