Nellie Mae Berry

Nellie Mae Berry was born on September 29, 1939, in Rocky Ford, Georgia, to Ola Mae and John Willie Bradley. She was the oldest of six children. In 1954 Nellie moved to Cleveland, Ohio, to help her Aunt Nellie James with her ailing husband. Nellie always aspired to do the will of GOD by helping others, so it was no surprise when she studied Latin and nursing as a student at East Tech High School. Her faith journey continued when she dedicated her life to Christ at an early age as a member of Horsecreek A.M.E. Church in Rocky Ford, Georgia, and later become as a member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

In 1962 Nellie married T.Leon Berry and gave birth to their first son in 1963, Leonard Berry. Soon after, in 1965, their family expanded with the birth of their second son, Shon DeLeon Berry. In 1966, Leon and Nellie moved out West for opportunities and to be closer to Nellie’s Brother-in-law, Jessie Berry. In 1969, Nellie gave birth to Darnelle Jerilyn Berry.

Nellie channeled her dream of being a Nurse into caring for her family while working for Hughes Aircraft for several years and then began working at Xerox until retiring. Her love was expressed through actions - taking her children and the neighborhood children to amusement parks, bike rides, arts and crafts, and many other fun activities that children love participating in.

Nellie’s commitment to community was expressed through active participation in several organizations, including - the Santa Ana Black Historical Society, 100 Black Women, Golden Girls, and the NAACP, to name a few. An incredibly proud moment for Nellie was her successful organization of the Veterans Day program for the Santa Ana Black Historical Society, which brought together hundreds of veterans, community leaders, and organizations to celebrate our nation’s heroes.

Another love of Nellie’s was traveling. She enjoyed the adventure of traveling to various states and countries. Many will fondly remember her love of entertainment. She and T. Leon Berry loved entertaining and were known for hosting fun annual Christmas parties and any celebration involving all those she loved. She always welcomed everyone with a gracious smile and a plate of home-cooked food to enjoy.

Nellie is survived by her husband T. Leon Berry; two sons, Leonard Berry, and Shon DeLeon Berry; one daughter Darnelle Jerilyn Berry, grand children Stephanie, Leonard Berry Jr., Dommanique, Navayah, Shon D. Berry Jr., Kimberly, Brittany, Eric, Kevin, Christopher, Jonathan, Jade, and Jordan, great grand children Katelynn, Kay Shaun, Kameron, Irish, Leonard, Pascal, and Kingston. Siblings Annie Lee Bradley, John Edward Bradley, William Earl Bradley. She was preceded in death by siblings Rosa Bradley and John Willie Bradley. Finally, she leaves a legacy of love to a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends who over the years have become family.

A visitation for Nellie will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Second Baptist Church, 4300 Westminster Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92703. A funeral service will occur Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4300 Westminster Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92703. A committal service will occur Monday, December 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Fairhaven Memorial Park, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705.