Lawana Drown Berg was born Oct. 26, 1923 Oklahoma City, Okla., died April 22, 2009 in Medford, Ore.
She married James J. Berg on April 1, 1960. She had three daughters, Kayella Drown Baldon (deceased), Lawana (Lonnie) Drown Berg (deceased) and Betty Berg Gugliotta who survives Mrs. Berg. There will be no public service

Lawana Berg was born in the State of Five Civilized Tribes and was very proud of her Cherokee ancestry. She lived most of her life in Oklahoma before moving to Southern Oregon in 1990 with her husband.

The one defining attribute of this wonderful woman was her fire for the Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible was her passion like the air she breathed and the glow of that fire always burned bright in her eyes. She took great joy in teaching the Bible to children and adults alike throughout her life. To her, it was the most important thing in her life and she always longed for heaven. She took great pleasure in molding her grandchildren to follow the path of the Lord and was a wonderful teacher of the word.

Lawana loved her family with her whole heart and made them the center of her life. She is survived by one daughter and many, many grandchildren and very dear friends.

Lawana was a brilliant artist. She had a passion for Native American art and produced hundreds of photographs, oils and pastels which captured their poignant culture. Her love of painting was a true talent and she was always eager to learn techniques and constantly strived to improve her ability. She was very highly respected by fellow artists with whom she worked.

Lawana lived a full and marvelous life. She had piercing blue eyes and fiery red hair and a fiesty attitude to suit them. She was outgoing, fun-loving and had an audacious sense of humor. She lived her life to the fullest without any apologies. She had a unique personal flair and always enjoyed modern fashion. She was strong and fearless and although she suffered great tragedy in her personal life, she also experienced great joy. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and doted on her family.

As a granddaughter, writing this, let me say that she was one in a million--there will never be another like her. She was my best friend-so fun to be around and laugh with and I will miss our "girl talks." She gave me love, companionship, hope, laughter, tears, blessings and joy-but the greatest gift she gave was her fire for the Lord as she passed the torch and we now live by her example. To her last day, she was a witness for Christ to others from her bedside. I celebrate her final flight to the reward she so deserves.

Acts 20:24 "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me---the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

The memorial service for James John Berg will be at 3 p.m. Thursday at the Community Bible Church in Central Point. Pastor Pete Slusher will officiate.

Mr. Berg, 79, of Medford, died Monday (Dec. 17, 2001) at his home.

He was born June 5, 1922, in Chicago, the son of James John and Mary (Baumgardner) Berg. On April 1, 1961, in Oklahoma City, he married Lawana Drown, who survives.

Mr. Berg owned and operated an auto parts business in Oklahoma City for many years.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II.

Mr. Berg enjoyed golf and spending time with his family.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include a daughter, Betty Gugliotta, Jacksonville; a sister, Ruth Taleck, in Florida; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two daughters, Cayella and Lawana.

Arrangements: Abbey Funeral, Medford.

Submitted by Howard Grisso April 2009.