Marlene Garrett Berry

Marlene Garrett Berry, age 87, of Orange Park, Florida passed away on Thursday, July 4, 2024. Following a courageous battle with dementia, Marlene Berry of Fleming Island, Florida joined her husband J. Ramon Berry and parents Paul and May MacDonald Garrett. She is survived by her children Susan Berry (Kelley), Richard Berry and Brenda Watkins. In addition to her children, Marlene is survived by her brother Donald Garrett (Edna); and sisters Linda Woodward (Larry) and Sandra Davis. She is also survived by grandchildren, great- grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who will share memories of her with their own children and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents R. Paul Garrett and May MacDonald Garrett and her husband J. Ramon Berry.

A great-granddaughter of missionaries serving South Africa and daughter of a pastor, she continued the family legacy of service. Marlene served as church pianist, ministry leader and fiery Sunday school teacher throughout her life. Along with her husband, Marlene retired from CSX and returned to Florida. Their life with the railroad took them from Columbus, Georgia to Savannah, Georgia, Jacksonville, Florida and finally Baltimore, Maryland. In every city, they actively served in their local Church of God of Prophecy and were present every time the church doors opened. Special thanks to Carolyn McCormick who ensured that Marlene continued to attend Sunday services long after her move to memory care.

The family would like to thank all the gifted and kind people who cared for and encouraged Mother during her illness. Special thanks to Ny who helped us in our endeavors to care for Mother in her home. To Ms. Kathy, Ms. Iris and many other wonderful people at Allegro, we would need to construct new words to even begin to convey our appreciation for your care of our Mother. You are the most amazing team of people who love your residents and graciously host their family members.

Services will be conducted by Rev. Dale Hile of the Jacksonville Westside Church of God of Prophecy. Arrangements are in the care of Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. The family will receive friends at Hardage at 9:30 a.m. and the service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 11th, 2024. Interment will follow at the Jacksonville National Cemetery and will be attended by family only.

Contributions in Marlene's memory may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation , komen.org; and Dementia Foundation , https://www.dementiasociety.org/.