Mary Berry

"Celebrating The Life Of The Original Survivor"
Today we celebrate the life of a champion. Today we celebrate the life of a true survivor. Many have whispered words of admiration and awe towards the lady who appeared to have "Nine Lives." Many remarks have been made about the lady on the corner with the loud voice. The one that would open her back door, and just shout out with a loud voice, "Billy!" or "Tony!" All who were within a three block radius, knew the voice of "Ms. P2." Her home was the meeting place of family, friends, neighbors, and church members alike. She was "Nanny P2" to many. And the name "Aunt P2" rang through her home for many years. The years filled with the joys and sounds of Christmas or Thanksgiving, with pallets on the floors all around the house to accommodate children and adults alike. Many feet have sat under her table. Thousands of delicious meals, made from scratch, have been prepared at the hands of this lady. There is absolutely no one on earth like this lady. She bore five children, and saved energy to help raise grandchildren. She always wanted the best for all that she called hers, and did all that she knew to give the best. Whether in the home, when planning a family reunion, or in the church, she gave it her best. Her voice rang powerfully as she sang. She did not believe in "half doing" anything. She had a total of nine heart bypasses, a mitral valve replacement, a defibrillator installed. Yet her heart was merry. She could find humor in anything and anyone. You never had to wonder what she was thinking, because she would make it known. You knew where you stood. She was a fine dresser and a very timely person. She was well prepared and made every effort not to be late. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Webb Berry made one last appointment to praise her Lord and Savior one last time just before her spirit left this earth for eternal rest with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mary Elizabeth Webb was the second child born to Frank and Virginia Webb. She was a bright eyed, red haired bowl of fun. From her youth, Mary was one of a kind. She was soon known to all as "P2." There was nobody in the world like "P2." At a young age, she met and married a handsome young man from Louisiana named Willis Berry. During the years of his employment, he could look forward to a hot lunch meal being brought to him daily. Most of the time, he would eat while she waited in the car and then he would lean over and give her a kiss, say "Thank You" again, and she would be off to prepare for their children. She was very active in their lives. When her son would run a touchdown, she could be seen running down the sidelines as well. Mary was a dedicated homemaker, church member, and family leader. She was a member of the Church Of Jesus Christ From God, under the leadership of her nephew, Bishop Curley Washington for most of her adult life. She later joined Apostolic Church Of Jesus Christ, under the leadership of her cousin, District Elder Tom Gillam, III. She moved to Arkansas in the late 1990's and joined the Living Waters Church Of God In Christ under the leadership of Superintendent David Withers. Mary loved the Lord with all of her heart. She told others of the goodness of God. She taught her children, grandchildren, and even some of her great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends alike the importance of accepting Jesus Christ. Although she resided in a skilled nursing facility, Mary did not allow anything to stop her from enjoying life. She, in her seasoned age, participated in pageants locally and District wide. She competed fiercely and won. She held such titles as "Best Dressed," "Miss Lakewood Idol," and "Miss Sweetheart." She was third runner up in the District competition amongst all of the nursing homes within the district area. She was a Queen indeed. Mary E. Berry has made a huge imprint in the lives and hearts of many people. She made her mark in this world and showed love and hospitality, just as Jesus requires us to do. Her dedication and perseverance is an encouragement to all. Cherishing her memory and awaiting that glorious reunion in heaven are her five children; Mr. Willis Berry, Jr. and wife Leotha, Mrs. Claudia Berry Williams and husband Mr. Roma Williams of Little Rock, Arkansas, Mr. Gregory Berry and wife Mrs. Lilly Berry of Camden, Arkansas, Ms. Letricia Johnson of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Mr. Anthony Berry of Hot Springs, Arkansas; special friends of her children Mr. Ted Jenkins and Ms. Nikki Webb. Also cherishing her memory are twenty grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren. They were indeed her pride and joy. She inherited many other children as a result of her always having an open door. Those include Ms. Cassandra Scott, and Ms. MiMi Crosby. Mary will be greatly missed by those who knew her from her youth, those who played with her, bunked with her, and sang with her. Her eight siblings; Mr. Frank Webb, Jr., Ms. Yvonne Deal of Brownwood, Texas, Ms. Virginia Webb of Houston, Texas, Ms. Brenda Webb Alexander of Denver, Colorado, Mr. Charles Webb and wife Carolyn of Brownwood, Texas, Mr. Eddie Webb of St. Louis, Missouri, Ms. Carolyn Webb of Beaumont, Texas, and Ms. Patricia Webb of Corsicana, Texas; Also cherishing her special niece and "third daughter," Mrs. Tawana W. Cadien and husband Kevin of Beaumont, Texas. Her aunts, Mrs. Della Gillam of Port Arthur, Texas and Mrs. Rose Reed of Houston, Texas; her uncles, Mr. David Gillam, Sr. of Cheyneyville, Louisiana, and Mr. Marvin Shedrick of Fairhope, Alabama and her faithful neighbors, Mr. Hurley Jean and wife Mrs. Ann Jean and family of Port, Arthur, Texas. Mary had many nieces, nephews, and cousins alike that loved her dearly and took joy in being in her presence. The Gillam Family Reunion will be held within a few weeks. This year Mrs. Mary E. Webb Berry was to be honored as one of the family's "Golden Girls." On Sunday, May 24th 2009 she was presented with her "Golden Girl " trophy as well as "The Mary E. Berry Open Hand" award for excellence in opening her heart and hands to all of those in need. She is now resting in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And, she now wears her Golden Crown.
The Final Celebration will be held at Noon on Friday, June 12, 2009 at Living Waters Church of God in Christ on 306 Grove in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Pastor David Withers will officiate the service. Burial will immediately follow the service at Arkansas Memorial Gardens in Jacksonville, Arkansas.
Casket Bearers will be Curtis Wiggins, Michael Berry, Audrick Broussard, Theodore Jenkins, Stanley Piper and James Piper III. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Mary's three brothers and three sons.
You may visit Mary as she slumbers from 11:00 a.m. until the service time at Noon on Friday, June 12, 2009 at the Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Huson Funeral Home in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Sign an online guest book at www.husonfuneralhome.com