Sherry McMurtrey Berry

Sherry McMurtrey Berry, 69, of Columbia, Missouri passed away Friday February 26, 2016 at her home. Visitation will be 7-8:30 pm Tuesday March 1, 2016, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, with Prayer service at 8:15pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes, with Interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Sherry was preceded in death by her parents Dan and Opal (Ball) McMurtrey.

Sherry is survived by her loving husband Fred Berry, of the home; daughter Shawna Rye and step-children Michael Patrick Berry (Sherie) and Monica R. Hume (Charles). Grandchildren Tyler and Jake Rye; Julia, Amanda, Thomas and Joseph Hume; Reagan and Madelyn Berry, and Jesse Rae Baldus. Brother Jerry McMurtrey (Opal).

Sherry was born with Cerebral Palsy and the doctors said she would never be able to walk. Of course, neither her Mother nor Sherry agreed with the doctors. Over time, with the assistance of braces, crutches and many surgeries, Sherry did walk. She continued to walk into her late middle age until the toil on her back and shoulders required the use of a wheel chair.

A gentle and loving spirit always, Sherry’s physical condition made her extremely competitive. She was always game for anything. She was an excellent swimmer and world traveler with her husband, Fred.

Sherry attended college at Southwest Baptist College and graduated with a degree in English Literature from San Diego State University. She later obtained a master’s degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Missouri, and she became the director of the assisted living facility at the Tiger Hotel in the mid to late 80’s. At one time, Sherry was an associate director for the American Diabetes Association in Columbia, and then director of tobacco control for the American Cancer Society. Also in the 80’s, she began a free health care clinic for people who could not afford health care; coordinating doctors, nurses, dentists, and specialists, all as volunteers. It was a wonderful program.

When the millennium changed, Sherry helped start the Tiger Pilot Club in Columbia and was their first president. At the time of her death, she was a member of the Columbia Pachyderm Club, the Boone County Republican Federated Women’s Club, and she had just started a prayer chapter in Columbia for the Concerned Women of America, working primarily to end the practice of abortion. Sherry was the leader of a group of women that meet at the local Hobby Lobby making crochet quilts for needy people, especially those who have to undergo dialysis. They called themselves “No Idle Hands.” She was and avid reader, crocheter, knitter, and won several prizes for the wall hanging quilts. Despite her disabilities, Sherry did not complain; freely carried her cross with pride and was the most infectious spirit of goodwill and friendship, a most admirable citizen, wife, homemaker, health care professional, disability outreach organizer, and child of God.

Flowers are welcome, or donations may be made in her name to the American Cancer Society, or the American Diabetes Association.