Carolyn Berry

Carolyn Jane Carpenter Berry of Arkadelphia, passed away Friday,
December 16, 2011. Born to Flave McRae and Ted Reaves Carpenter on
December 26, 1920, she was a descendant of families that were pioneers in both Bradley and Clark counties. She attended Arkadelphia public schools and was a 1942 graduate of Ouachita Baptist College.

Carolyn, nicknamed "Teeta" at an early age, married Captain John T. Berry in March, 1943 and embarked on a 28-year journey as the wife of a career Army officer. Over the course of her husband's career, the Berry family made 22 moves which included overseas tours in England, Germany, and Guatemala
where her husband served as the army attaché. In preparation for this tour,Carolyn studied the culture and language of the country as well as protocol and
diplomacy at the Foreign Service Institute of the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. As an army wife, she was active as an American Red Cross "Gray Lady" volunteer in military hospitals, served as President of the Officer's Wives Club, was involved in Girl and Boy Scout activities, and was elected
President of the Alexandria, Virginia PTA. Upon Colonel Berry's retirement in 1968, they made Arkadelphia their home.
Carolyn was a third-generation, 72-year member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) having served with distinction at the chapter, state,and national levels since joining the Arkadelphia chapter as a junior member in 1939. She served as Arkansas State Regent and, at the national level, as Vice President-General and Chaplain General during her tenure with the organization. She was also a member of the National Society Colonial Dames of America,National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, Magna Charta Dames,Daughters of Colonial Wars, Huguenot Society, Sons and Daughters of the Pilgrims, PEO Sisterhood, Charter Member and first Treasurer of the Clark
County Historical Society. She was a previous member of the Ouachita Baptist University Alumni Board; the Clark County Historical Museum Board; the
Historical Research Committee of the Chamber of Commerce for sesquicentennial celebration of the city of Arkadelphia; and, the Philharmonic Music Club. She was a member of the Décor Committee of the Town Hall Building Project.
Carolyn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Arkadelphia where she served as Deacon, Elder, Sunday School Teacher, Project Chair of Women
of the Church, Worship Committee, Session Nominating Committee, Lay Reader for special services and Chair of the Evangelism and Service Committee. In
2003, she was presented an Honorary Life Membership in "Presbyterian Women".
She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Flave J. Carpenter; her husband; and, her daughter, Carolyn Jane Berry.

She is survived by her sons,
John T. Berry (Sally) of Fort Worth, TX and Ted C. Berry of Falls Church, VA.In addition, she is survived by two nieces and five nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, at the First Presbyterian Church, Arkadelphia.


Interment will be private.


The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Ouachita Baptist University or the First Presbyterian Church, Arkadelphia, Arkansas.