Ida Berry

BERRY, Mrs. Ida Lee - Age 75, passed Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at her residence. Mrs. Ida Lee (Donaldson) Berry was the daughter to the late Johnnie Lee and Oscar Donaldson, Jr. She was born of February 13, 1933 in Bainbridge, GA. Ida graduated from Howard Academy High School (Ocala, FL) class of 1951. She relocated to Pontiac in 1953 and received vocational training in tailoring. She also advanced her education by attending liberal art classes at Oakland Community College. As a child, Ida confessed a faith in Jesus Christ at Greater Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Ocala. Under the pastorate of the late Pastor Jesse E. McCrary, she faithfully attended Sunday school and Bible Training Union. Upon arriving in Pontiac, she promptly united with Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of late Pastor L.R. Miner, Sr. Ida served in the mission ministry, kitchen ministry, and various choirs. She faithfully attended prayer and bible study. During her 55 years at Macedonia, Ida was blessed under the leadership of the Late Pastor E.L. McCree, Sr. and Pastor Terrence J. Gowdy. On December 15, 1956, Ida married James Harrison Berry, Jr. and faithfully fulfilled her marriage vows for 51 years. Ida was an avid reader, enjoyed sewing, and loved gospel and classical music. She took great interest in nurturing children, encouraging young adults and ministering to the elderly. She took great pride in her family, neighborhood and community. She retired from the State of Michigan in 1997, where she worked at Clinton Valley Center as a seamstress and dietician for more than 28 years. Ida was called home to be with the Lord on April 22, 2008. Sharing in the memories of her life is her beloved husband, James H. Berry, Jr.; children, Michael (Mona) Berry of California, Beverly (Sylvester, deceased) Robinson, Roslyn (Shellie) Branner, Donald H. Berry, Brian L. (Danna) Berry; grandchildren, Valerie (Mark) Freeman of TN, Monique Webb, James Robinson, Rian Berry, Isaiah Berry all of Pontiac, Patrice Berry of California; one great grandchild, Jacob Freeman; siblings, Alphonso Ray McCoy, (deceased), Hester (Rudolph) Thrower, (deceased), Willie Mae (Henry) Lewis, (deceased), James Roy, Jr of Florida, Pearline (Robert) Williamson, Sr. of Pontiac, Denzel M. Donaldson of New Jersey, Gladys Morand of Florida; Brother-in-laws, Kevin Berry, Anthony Berry Sr., both of Detroit; two aunts, Winnie Willett, Ellen Mention; nieces, Joyce Thrower of Florida, Sylvia Diane (Calvin) Credle of New Jersey, Melissa Roy of Florida, Terri Roy of Texas, Julia Berry, Zipora Berry, Alexis Berry, Antoinette Berry, Satin Berry all of Detroit; nephews, Michael Roy of Florida, Carlos Roy of Virginia, Alan Roy of Texas, Robert (Wendy) Williamson of Florida, Charles (Claudette) Williamson of California, David Williamson of Pontiac, Brian Berry, Anthony Berry, Jr., both of Detroit; cousin, Minnie Lee Lewis and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. Family hour 10:00a.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 512 Pearsall St., with funeral service commencing immediately at 11a.m. Pastor Terrance Gowdy, officiating. Interment Perry Mount Park Cemetery, 878 N. Perry St. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:00a.m. Tuesday. Mrs. Berry will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 268 N. Perry St., and may be viewed from 12 to 8 p.m. Monday. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6p.m. Monday, April 28, 2008 at the funeral home.

Ida Berry

February 13, 1933 - April 22, 2008