Rina Evelyn Berry

Rina Evelyn Berry, long time Temple resident, went to be with our Lord on April 6, 2016. Evelyn was born on June 16, 1916, to the late Ira and Grace Davis. She was raised in Friendship, Texas. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.D. Berry, daughter-in-law Kay Berry, Brothers Col. Howard Davis and Ira Davis, and sister’s Ruth Bridges and Edith Jennings.

Her family includes her son Don Berry of Olney, Texas, daughter Geneva Berry of Temple, grandchildren Jeff and Alicia Berry, Andy and Becky Berry, Joel Berry, Tate Miller, Amy and Clint White, great grandchild are Bynn and Neil Howerton, Colby and Allison White, Ragan and Tyler Nichols, Anna and Andrew Tucker, Kaylee and Cameron Gruhlkey, Connor Berry, Blade Miller, Braxton Berry, Brock Berry, Bailey Berry, Kesley White, Carli White and Jace Berry. Great-great grandchildren are Bralen and Brody Nichols, and Draper Gruhlkey, one brother, Curtis Leroy Davis and many nieces and nephews.

Evelyn Berry was raised in a strong Christian family in the farming community of Friendship, Texas. Her father was a farmer and her mother taught piano lessons, Everyone in the family loved music and played musical instruments. Nearly every evening when they were growing up Evelyn and her five siblings and parents would gather together in the living room to play music and sing together.

She married J.D. Berry and they made their life in Temple, Texas. J.D. Berry was Yardmaster for the Santa Fe Railway Company. They were lifelong members of Memorial Baptist Church where they both worked diligently to serve the Lord. Evelyn loved her family and her church. She taught Sunday School in the primary department for many years, sang in the choir, was a member of the Women’s Missionary Union, taught vacation Bible school, and later played the organ in the senior adult department. She served as counselor at Highland Lakes Baptist Encampment for many years.

Evelyn was a wonderful homemaker, wife and mother. She was an excellent musician and loved to play the piano and organ. She was an expert seamstress and wonder cook. She adored her children and enjoyed going to all of her son’s ballgames and daughter’s piano recitals. She enjoyed cookouts and playing 42 and 84 with J.D. with their best friends Frances and C.B. McQueen and Iris and D.J. Smith every Saturday night. She loved family outings and reunions. Her pride and greatest joy were her grandchildren. Her favorite times were the family holidays at Don and Kay’s house. She often said she loved the Berry family as much as she did the Davis family and always enjoyed being with them. She adored her many nieces and nephews. She has left a great Christian legacy for her family, and she will always be in our hearts.