John E. Berry

*Flowers can be delivered Sunday, May 27 from 10 AM - 4 PM Services will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at Liberty Hill Baptist Church 8206 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44103 Wake: 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM John E. Berry Sr. was born October 18, 1915 in Hepzibah Georgia to Maggie and Doc Berry. He was the seventh of eleven children. Three sisters and six brothers have preceded him in death. He was educated in the Hepzibah school system. He attended Lucy C Laney high school in Augusta GA. For a short while he was a substitute teacher in his hometown, teaching in the little two room school house. He confessed Christ at an early age at Ebenezer Baptist Church under the late Rev. Warren Jones. He served as church secretary, and was a dedicated member of the Sunday school and Vice President of the Moral Life Society. He then moved to Miami Beach Florida where he worked as a bell boy. John returned to Hepzibah Ga., where he was employed by the Williams boarding house. This experience along with teachings of his Grandmother helped him become an excellent cook. In 1934, he began employment at what is now called the Albin Kalin Co. for 10 years; what was referred to as the "Chalk Bed" mining Company. He then met a young lady, who was the sister of his best friend. This young lady was to become his soul mate of 70 years. John married Clancy Mae Bryant April 14th 1941 and to this union five children were born. The family moved to Cleveland in 1943, where he worked at Chase Brass for two years. He then worked at I.J. Fox for seven years in shipping and receiving. He then moved on to the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. (the A & P) where he worked his way to dairy manager. He was also union steward for Local 880 until he retired after 29 1/2 years. John was instrumental in helping lots of young people in the community obtain employment. John became a faithful member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church under pastorate of Rev. Milton E. Wilson. He was an active member of Senior Choir, Male Chorus, ex-choir, Circle #4, and the Brotherhood. He was also vice-president of our church Credit Union for many years. John was a people person who liked to talk about life and God. He especially liked talking to the young people, always giving advice, encouragement and love. He and his wife were also members of the Friends Social Club, where each couple would make Sunday dinners and celebrate the Birthdays of that month. This club lasted over 40 years until failing health made them unable to gather. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. If his wife and children were happy, then he was happy. He will be missed for his since of humor, his straight forwardness, his love of young people, and his cooking. He would always ask "Have you eaten; Are you hungry"? John also had a flare for fashion, often beautifully coordinating with his wife. John leaves to cherish his memory, his devoted wife of 70 years, Clancy. Sons, John Jr. (Brenda), George, Charles (Margaret), Steven, and daughter Detra. Sister, Julia Meredith, Sister-Law Sarah Burton of Cleveland, two Brothers in Law, Robert Burton (Cleveland) and Henry Simmons of Jacksonville Fla. Special God Daughters, Patricia Cox and Maria Laureano. Nineteen grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Well Done thy good and faithful servant.