Service Announcements

Ms. Mary Alice Berry 84 of Waxhaw, NC. passed away Thursday, October 3, 2018 at her resident. Funeral service will be held Saturday, October 13,2018 at Chappell Memorial Baptist Church 110 Bradford Dr. Charlotte, NC 28216. Visitation will began at 11:00 am and the service will follow at 12:00 pm. Interment will take place in York Memorial Park Cemetery 5150 S.Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28217.

Mrs. Mary Alice Blackmon Berry (more affectionately known as ‘GiGi, ‘Red Bird’, and ‘Ma Berry’) departed this life for her heavenly home on Thursday, October 4, 2018.  A woman with such a big spirit and even bigger personality was called to take her final rest.  Mary was born on June 7, 1934 to the late Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Blackmon.  Because her mother passed away at an early age, Matriarch Kissie Davis shared in her rearing.

Mary was educated in Mecklenburg County – graduating from Plato Price High School.  She worked in several different industries until she discovered her passion – that of working with children.  Mary was employed by Mecklenburg County Schools as a Bus Driver and Teachers Aide for over 25 years.  The majority of her tenure as an Aide was spent at Beverly Woods Elementary School.  Mary was meticulous in the care and safety of children, which awarded her special honors and recognitions.  She consistently demonstrated kindness to the students she taught, because she recalled her life being forever changed as a student when an influential teacher displayed the same type of kindness toward her.

Mary’s union to Washington Samuel Berry, Sr. produced four children.  Mary was respected for being a disciplinarian while raising her children.  Both neighborhood children and others who were classmates to her children can attest to how her discipline extended beyond her own.

The Lord led Mary to Chappell Memorial in its’ early beginnings.  She and her family were among the founding members.  She served as an usher and was a member of the Committee then known as the Pastor’s Aide.  Mary was once an active member in the Order of the Eastern Star.  She was renowned for her sewing skills, but most importantly she loved compassionately.  Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy.  Time spent with ‘GiGi was very special for her.

Loved ones who cleared the path for Mary are her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Blackmon; Matriarch, Kissie Davis; infant daughter, Jonetta Berry; and two great-grandchildren, Kadrien O’Daniel Pendergrass and Jeremy Juaon Brewton, Jr.

Loved ones who will miss Mary until they meet again are three sons, Washington Samuel Berry, Jr. (Joyce), Keith Lorenzo Berry (Linda), and Quintin Dexter Berry, all of Charlotte; Six grandchildren, Adrian Pendergrass, Adrianna Pendergrass, Lorenzo Berry, John Berry, Samuel Berry, and Dee Dee Wright; Six great-grandchildren, Shardae LaTriece Black, A’sia Alexandria Davis, A’Kayla Monet Smith, K’maree Antonia Pendergrass, Jermeyah Penelope-Rose Brewton, and Adrian Lamont Pendergrass, Jr.; Two great, great-grandchildren, Adonis Berry and Donovan Cornwell.  Mary also leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.