Nina Lynn Berry

Nina Lynn Berry, 70, passed away in the early morning hours on Friday, January 1, 2016 at Heritage Health in Springfield after a prolonged illness, where she eventually received hospice care from her friends on the staff.

Nina was born on May 21, 1945 in Kinmundy, Illinois, the daughter of James R. Jones and Nelda (Gray) Jones. She married James Michael Berry on April 22, 1972 in Springfield, and he survives her.

Nina graduated from Kinmundy High School, attended Brown’s Business College and Lincoln Land Community College, and was a trained court reporter. She worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation as a secretary until the birth of her son when she became a stay at home mom.

She loved to share cucumbers and tomatoes from the garden with all of her neighbors and could be seen in the summer hauling bags full around the neighborhood. She loved people and made new friends wherever she went. She loved going back to Two Sycamores Farm, her family home, and remembering all of the friends from Kinmundy. She remembered everyone’s birthday and anniversary and was sure to send them a card. She loved attending Laurel United Methodist Church and was very active in her church circle group until her illness. Reading romance novels, picnics with the neighbor’s daughters and watching Gunsmoke, Bonanza and Reba gave her pleasure (and some teasing). She will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Berry; her son, Shawn Berry (Mary Shaw); her siblings, Lila McCulley (Russell), Don Jones (Hiromi) and James R. Jones, Jr; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding her in death were her parents; son, Kevin; stepson, Jeff; and her beloved canine buddies, Bootsie and Wolfie.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of ceremony at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. West, Springfield.

Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd, Springfield, IL 62702.