Kaye Smith Berry

Kaye Smith Berry passed away gracefully, surrounded by family on December 27th, 2017, after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in this struggle and ultimately gave her peace.

Born Linda Kay Smith on August 23rd, 1942 in Amarillo, Texas, Kaye fondly remembered her childhood as “perfect.” In typical fashion, she decided to add the “e” on the end of her name after several other Kays were in her elementary school classes, so she could stand out from the rest. As a child, she enjoyed spending time at the Currie Ranch in the Palo Duro Canyon and remembered her times there as some of her most favorite.

After graduating from Amarillo High School, she attended Texas Tech University where she earned her degree in History with a minor in Spanish. While there, she also met the love of her life, David, and they were married shortly after his graduation on June 26, 1965. Together, they had three daughters, who were the lights of Kaye’s life. They made a beautiful life together for 52 years, living in LaCrosse, Wisconsin and San Antonio, Texas, before settling in Austin, Texas in 1969.

Kaye was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and warmly remembered her days as an active which led her to be an active alumna after college, spending time as a Chair of the House Board at the University of Texas and as a fundraiser for the Texas Tech chapter, as they renovated their lodge just last year.

Always an educator at heart, she spent most of her career in the classroom, teaching all subjects and all ages. She retired from teaching in 2007. Besides teaching, Kaye’s passions included spending time with her family and friends and volunteering for The Settlement Club which supports The Settlement Home for Children.

Her giving spirit, loyalty, contagious laugh and grace will be the things that are most remembered by those who loved her. She wanted nothing more than to give, serve, heal broken hearts, love, laugh, cheer for her kids and grandkids, cook and host friends and family, travel a little, listen to great music and dance! She was kind, strong and full of grace to the very end.

Kaye is will be forever remembered by her husband David, daughters Ginger (Clayton) James of Gloucester, VA, Amy (Rex) Herron of Austin, TX, Katy (David) Sierk of Brooklyn, NY and five grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, T.A. and Marcelle Smith.

Our most sincere thanks to the Hospice Austin team, especially our amazing nurse, June Fitzpatrick, and NP, Brian King.

A celebration of Kaye’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 2nd at 3:30pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church (3003 Northland Dr, Austin, TX 78757). A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made In Memory of Kaye Berry to The Settlement Home for Children in Austin, Texas. (www.settlementhome.org)