Lila Sylvia Berry

Lila was born in the borough of Brooklyn, New York City, New York on September 21, 1935. She graduated from Erasmus High School (Brooklyn), received a Bachelor of Science degree and graduated cum laude from Brooklyn College, and received a Master of Science degree in Biology from Morehead State University (Kentucky).

Lila was married to Herbert Berry on December 19, 1959. They were married for 52 years.

Lila worked numerous part-time jobs, including teacher, researcher, office administrator, and co-author (with husband, Herb) for a book on business mathematics. All the while, her children were still her main priority and concern during their formative years.

With her vibrant mind, witty humor, and sense of practicality, Lila’s friend circle reached across the boundaries of age. She had friends and acquaintances of all ages. Lila shared her wisdom with friends and family, but she also learned from them at the same time. She was a constant learner, spending many hours participating in her book club, working puzzles, and reading magazines like Scientific American. And she loved movies, especially those from the golden age of cinema!

Lila was physically active, as well, until the last few years. She enjoyed playing tennis and working out at the gym into her 70s, and she walked daily in her Chapel Hill neighborhood well into her 80s. Until February 2022 (when she moved to Cary), Lila was an active participant in the Community Church of Chapel Hill (Unitarian Universalist) where she served as a greeter and greeter coordinator.

Lila is survived by her children, Jack Jefferson Berry (Susan H. Berry), Scott Franklin Berry (Li Yan Berry), and Alice Jane Berry. She has one grandson (William Lee Berry- son of Scott and Li Yan) as well as two nephews (Mark Ettinger and Steven Ettinger) and one niece (Amy Ettinger White).

Lila is preceded in death by her husband, Herbert; her father, Morris; her mother, Sadie; and her brother, Arnold.

A remembrance service for Lila will be held Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery (1721 Legion Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517). Reverend Thom Belote of the Community Church of Chapel Hill will officiate.

Animals (especially cats) were near and dear to Lila’s heart. So, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ASPCA in Lila’s memory.

The family of Lila Sylvia Berry wishes to thank the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Spring Arbor Assisted-Living Community, Transitions Life Care, and Always Best Care for their support and care for Lila, especially over the last two years.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownwynneeastmillbrook.com for the Berry family.