Betty "Shirley" Mae Berry

Betty Mae Berry, daughter of Robert L. Burton and Mary E. Smith, was born on May 14, 1939 in North Hampton County, VA. The oldest sibling to Yvonne Sample, Roberta Brown, Patricia Perry (Dennis), Larry Burton, Audrey Manigo (preceded her in death), Richard Smith (Preceded her in death), Joan Singletary, and Virginia Williams, entered eternal sleep on Tuesday, July 5, 2016. Fondly known by many as "Shirley", she received her early education in Virginia and Maryland public schools, being among the first African Americans to integrate Southern High Schools in Baltimore City in the early 1950's. Her work history included Eastern Product for 34 years, not only a worker, she was a union organizer that represented her co-workers during the negotiating period, and served as shop steward, fighting for the rights of hourly workers. Other employment included Northwest Hospital, Baltimore County Public Schools Systems (retired), and because she always wanted to keep herself busy she would often seek part-time work. Her last position was assisting as a caregiver for Angelic Hands Assisted Living. Shirley had lots of hidden talents, skills and interest. She helped paint the walls of the sanctuary in our Ministry Center, and baked many of the delicious cakes used during fundraisers or just for fellowship and enjoyment. She thoroughly enjoyed entertaining, bowling, decorating, painting, baking/cooking, traveling, entertaining, and all genres of music. Her Christian walk began at the New Galilee Church of God In Christ Jesus, Apostolic, Inc., under the leadership of the late Bishop Milledge Golphin, and ended at the RiverBrook Church under the leadership of Bishop Jefferey E. Mitchell where she became Church Mother. In 1960, Betty me the love of her life Bernard I. Berry and on February 6, 1960 they were joined in holy matrimony, by the late Milledge Golphin. To this union, they were blessed with four natural children, Sheron Galloway (Jesse), Judy Wiggins (Avery), Bernard I Berry Jr. (Felicia) and Andre Berry (preceded her in death)), and later they were blessed to raise two more sons, Rafael and Theodore Berry. Left to mourn are not only her children but the following family and friends and host of nieces, grand-nieces, nephews, grand-nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Betty "Shirley" Mae Berry

May 14, 1939 - July 5, 2016