Martha June McAlexander Berry

Martha was born on November 24, 1923 in Houston, Texas and was raised in the north end of Houston with two sisters and two brothers by Frederick Lester McAlexander and Ellen Real McAlexander White.

As a native Houstonian, Martha went to Jeff Davis High School and upon graduation in 1941 she began her career by going to secretarial school and working at American National. She married Carnie Delton Berry on November 11, 1944 on Armistice Day (Veterans Day). Martha became the secretary for the Armco Steel Corporation located in Deer Park, Texas (now AK Steel Corporation) around 1950. She became the President of the Women’s Credit Association serving for one year and then as a consultant. She virtually ran the credit department for 32 years retiring in 1982 to enjoy her only grandson, Shawn Berry Benton Ferguson. One of Martha’s greatest joys in life was following, attending, and cheering for her grandson as he traveled around the United States playing baseball. Martha rarely missed one of Shawn’s games. Martha was a faithful, dedicated member of Meadowbrook Baptist Church in South Houston for over twenty years. Upon moving to west Houston, Martha became a member of Second Baptist Church, serving as a teacher for young people and then helping to organize the Forum Sunday School Class for older members. Martha loved the Lord and the ministry at Second Baptist. She worked over 20 years in the Prayer Room for Second Baptist ministering to those who needed prayer and a caring listener.

Martha is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Lee Berry Ferguson and husband, Jerry; Grandson, Shawn Berry Benton Ferguson and wife Emily; and is considered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and church friends as a “Great Lady.” Martha is preceded in death by her husband, Carnie D. Berry, sisters Betty Baugh and Barbara McAlexander; brothers Fred McAlexander and Lester McAlexander.

The service will be held at the American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, 1 block south of the Beltway. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 21st at 11:00 am with the service to follow at 11:45. Interment will immediately follow at the Houston Veterans Memorial Cemetery with the procession assembling at the American Heritage Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030, www.houstonhospice.org. The family grateful acknowledges the tender untiring care of Linda Whatley and Bernita White who provided love, healing, and comfort for over 7 years. May God continue to bless each of you.

The family of Martha McAlexander Berry expresses sincere appreciation for the love and kindness extended to the immediate family. Martha loved each of you and will continue that love as she watches over her many friends and family.