Colette Larson Berryhill

Colette Eve Larson Berryhill passed away peacefully with her husband holding her hand at 4 a.m. Thursday, April 7, 2011, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Colette was 72 and a native of Baton Rouge. She and her husband Tom "Tommy" moved to Jackson in 2004, where they became active members of the community. Colette with a member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help bible study group, a past officer of the Norwood Women's Club, and a member of the Jackson Assembly. Colette was the only child of Gustave H. Larson and Effel Skrintney Larson, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Berryhill; and a son-in-law, Kenny O. Clark Jr. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 52 years, Tom. Survivors also include their four children and their spouses, Dr. Brett A. and Dr. Lucie Berryhill, Lynn B. and Kenny Hirschey, Karen C. and Scott Barrow, and Lauren B. and Dan Bahlinger; nine grandchildren, Erin Franco and spouse Michael, Shannon Berryhill, Ryan Berryhill, Rivers Berryhill, Kelley Hirschey, Eric Clark, Daniel Clark and spouse Lynsey, Meagan Bahlinger and David Bahlinger; and two great-grandchildren, Gabriel Franco and Wyatt Clark. Beginning at a young age, Colette became an avid tennis player. Her tennis career spanned throughout her high school years at St. Joseph's Academy, from which she graduated in 1956, and throughout her adult life. Most notably, Colette was one of the founding members of the Baton Rouge Women's Tennis Association. Colette loved the game of tennis and cherished her many tennis friendships and fond memories. Tom and Colette enjoyed many years of camping and traveling around the country, both far and near. Colette's bravery and courage with dealing with cancer were an inspiration to many people, including her family and most recently to the many residents and staff at Grace Nursing and Rehab Facility in Clinton. Many thanks and much appreciation to family and friends for their love and support, especially Paul and Freida Thompson. Finally, thank you to the CNAs, nursing staff, administrators and residents of Grace for their compassionate care and concern. The family will always be indebted to Hubert for helping to fulfill Colette's last wish of taking a ride. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East on Sunday, April 10, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitation at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Monday, April 11, from 10 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., celebrated by the Rev. Carey Bani. Private burial to follow.