Mary M. Berkelhammer

Mrs. Mary M. Berkelhammer, 85, of Greensboro, N.C., passed away on Monday, January 19, at her residence. Mary was the youngest of five children, born to Lois and Algernon Graham Murphy, in Burlington, NC. She attended UNC Women's College.

She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, and friend who was always thinking of and doing for others. Mary was a pillar of the Jewish community, and a long-standing member of Temple Emanuel, Beth David Synagogue, and Chabad of Greensboro, all of which were near and dear to her heart.

She met her husband, Joel Berkelhammer, when she was 20 years old and happily married until his death in 1999. Together, they shared a love of family, travel, and good friends. Mary and Joel were dedicated community volunteers for numerous civic, philanthropic, and religious organizations. She was especially active in the local Jewish community, including serving as the President of the Temple Emanuel Sisterhood and the Hebrew Cemetery Committee.

Mary was a supporter of the arts and music. She was a docent at the Greensboro Historical Museum, active with the Weatherspoon Art Museum, the Eastern Music Festival, and the Greensboro Garden Club, and a supporter of many community institutions and causes. She was a champion of scouting and advocate for good citizenship.

She is predeceased by her husband, Joel Berkelhammer. She is survived by her children, William G. Berkelhammer (Ruth), Lisa B. Ziv (Robert) and Dr. Leslie B. Greenberg (Dr. David) and her grandchildren, Dr. Graham (Ariane) Berkelhammer, Noah (Kennedy) Berkelhammer, Lauren Berkelhammer, Jacob Ziv, Yael Ziv, Allison Ziv, Joy Greenberg, Matthew Greenberg and numerous nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be this Wednesday, January 21, at 2:30 p.m. Temple Emanuel of Greensboro followed by internment in the Greensboro Hebrew Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Temple Emanuel or to a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageGreensboro.com for the Berkelhammer family.