Jonina T. Pierman

Jonina T. Pierman, 55, of Benton Harbor, passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at her home surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 A.M. Saturday at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd. , St. Joseph , with Rev. Debra Basham officiating. Cremation will follow the service with burial of her ashes at Crystal Springs Cemetery . Friends may call from 5:00 until 8:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to PAN CAN or Animal Aid. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jonina was born January 21, 1952 in Benton Harbor to Alvin & Zola (Anderson) Swingle. She graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1970. Jonina was employed at the Whirlpool Administration Center as a baker, and most recently at the Berrien County Health Department. On June 1, 1985, she married Kris Pierman in Benton Harbor. Jonina loved all animals. She made a home for many homeless dogs & cats. Jonina enjoyed feeding the birds around the house and taking care of her horse. She enjoyed beekeeping with her husband Kris and was a member of the Lakeshore Beekeepers. Jonina also enjoyed gardening and house plants. She was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous. Jonina is survived by her husband Kris; two brothers-Twin-Jon Swingle of Benton Harbor, Sigurd Swingle of Benton Harbor; half sister Julie (Jim) Balke of Jacksonville, FL; sisters-in-law Bette Pierman of Benton Harbor, Marcia (Terry) Blevens of Watervliet; nephews & nieces-Jon Swingle, Uri Swingle, Sonja Prusa and Zachary Blevens; special cousins Kay Hamm & Susie Spiker-Basbagil of Zainsville, OH; Margaret Basbagil of Denver, Co; and numerous AA friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brothers Alvin Swingle and Frank Swingle.