Helen D. Berry

Life Story

Helen D. Berry was born on November 6, 1926. Helen always said the “D” in her name stood for “Delightful”; and that she was! However, she finally admits that it stood for Doris. Helen was born to parents Jack and Lala Parnell, both deceased, one sibling Louise Rea, also deceased. Helen lost her beloved husband, Emery “Bud” Berry in 2006.

Helen was blessed with 6 children: Ken King, Leon King, Karen Smithey, Sandra Wagner, Lois Griggs, and Lynda Holm (deceased). All of whom brought great joy to her, including 12 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. She was so very proud of each of them and she showed it.

Helen had many friends and enjoyed keeping in touch with long term friends and making new ones where ever she could.

Helen had an exciting professional life. Starting as an accounting clerk, to college, to controller to C.E.O. She was employed by Del Webb Corp in Arizona and in California as an Accountant. She was also employed by Mark 2 Properties in California as an Accounting Professional and Escrow Officer. Helen eventually became an entrepreneur when she started and successfully grew an Executive and Professional Employment Agency as well as an Accounting and Bookkeeping services firm.

Helen also had a much loved journey with Jesus. Helen spent many years called to do administrative work, chairing most all ministries including 14 small groups. Taking communion to those who were unable to attend Sunday services was special for her, as was her prayer life.

Her wishes were to be loved and embraced for her character and respected and beloved for her courage, trusted for her conscience awareness of the needs of others and mostly for having a heart for love.

“I can do all things through Him who gives me strength”. In her own words, Helen expressed her, “deep appreciation to be alive, to be able to see, to walk, to have a home, children, love, it’s all a miracle. I have adopted the techniques of living life from miracle to miracle. I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in my situation.”

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One of the Poem’s that Helen loved and wanted to have read at her services:

“When we start to count flowers, we cease to count weeds;

When we start to count blessings, we cease to count needs.

When we start to count laughter, we cease to count tears;

When we start to count memories we cease to count years.”

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Another poem that Helen selected to be read at her services:

“When I am gone, release me. Let me go.

I have so many things to see and do.

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears,

Be happy that we had so many beautiful years.

I gave to you my love. You can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,

But now it’s time I traveled on alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must,

Then let your grief be comforted by trust.

It’s only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on.

So if you need me, call and I will come.

Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be here.

And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear

All my love around you soft and clear.

And then, when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile, and say-

“Welcome Home!”