Janelle Williams Berger joined her Lord and Savior on May 31, 2024, at the age of 92, leaving behind her loving family and a grateful community.

Janelle was born August 24, 1931, in Abilene, Texas.  In 1937, Janelle, her parents and siblings moved to New Braunfels; a place she would always call home.  The vivacious Janelle, graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1949, where she was a member of the Rangerettes, a popular school social organization, the Methodist Church Youth Fellowship, and the Fighting Unicorn Band.

Janelle then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she flourished in student government, intramurals, and the Alpha Delta Pi sorority.  She graduated in 1953 with a degree in elementary education.  She remained active in both her sorority and University of Texas Alumni Associations throughout her life.

Janelle commenced her teaching career in Houston, where she began dating a NBHS classmate of hers.  Charles (Chuck) Berger had just graduated from Texas A&M University and was attending Baylor School of Medicine in Houston.  Chuck quickly became the love of her life.  They were married in First Protestant Church by Chuck's father, Reverend Edwin Berger, in 1955.

After finishing medical school, Dr. and Mrs. Berger traveled to Germany where Chuck completed his military service and Janelle taught elementary school. In 1961, they returned to New Braunfels and created a warm, caring home for children Teresa, David, and John.  The children describe their mother as loving, kind, honest and fair.  She absolutely embraced her involvement in their lives, being a volunteer and supporter of the Girl Scouts, Dolphin Swim Team, NBHS Band and Sports Booster Clubs, and allowing her house to be torn apart by teenagers at all night "cake bakes" for Queen of Hearts.  Because of her love of children, education and travel, her family hosted 12 foreign exchange students and for many years, she and a close friend sponsored the First Protestant Church Youth Fellowship.  All these young people benefitted from and cherished their time with this energetic, bubbly Mom.

Though Janelle was a leader in the Berger household, she was also a leader in her community.  Janelle did not let traditional gender roles keep her from accepting new challenges.  She was the first female NBISD school board president, 1972-1981, and the first female in New Braunfels to serve on a bank's Board of Directors. Beyond those firsts, her volunteerism was wide-ranging.  She helped begin the Republican Women's Club and was a part of the group that started the New Braunfels Art League, often meeting in her upstairs playroom.  She was a Blue Coat in the Chamber of Commerce, served on the city Long Range Planning Committee, and chaired the Parks and Recreation Board.  Her volunteerism also included many historical groups, including The Hummel Museum, Heritage Society, Conservation Society and the Sophienburg Museum and Archives.  As a member of the Sophienburg, Janelle was the founder of their biggest fundraiser that continues to this day, Weinachtsmarkt.

For her years of service to New Braunfels, Janelle was awarded the Silver Unicorn Award, NBISD Distinguished Alumna Award, The Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Award for Promotion of Community Heritage and Hall of Honors Awards, The Besserung Award and The Living Legends of New Braunfels Award.

Janelle's devotion to New Braunfels will be remembered for years to come, but her joy and love of life will be missed equally.  Her excitement for just being alive blessed many when she shared her enthusiasm for travel, The Majestic, the Gay 40's Club, old friends, new friends, and her faith.  Her laughter and love were special gifts from God.

Janelle was preceded in death by her parents, Malcom and Gladys Williams; older sister, Lynn, and her twin brother, Gerald.  She will also join in heaven, her husband, Chuck and her beloved daughter, Teresa.  She is survived by her sons, David (Diana) Berger, John (Cindy) Berger; grandchildren, Lindsey, Nicholas and Lauren Berger, Deseree and Clinton Boyd and great-grandchild, Deklyn Boyd.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024,

at First Protestant Church in New Braunfels, Texas at 10:00 AM

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the not-for-profits mentioned above.

Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com