Laura Jean Berry

Laura Jean Worthington Berry of St. Simons Island, Georgia died at home November 3, 2016 , surrounded by family. She was the daughter of William Bryan Worthington and Helen Johnson Worthington of Bessemer, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Walter Lee Berry, Jr., her brother, William Bryan Worthington, Jr, and her sister, Mary Carolyn Worthington McPherson.

Laura grew up in Bessemer, Alabama and graduated from Bessemer High School. She graduated from Alabama College (now the University of Montevallo) in 1951 and taught school briefly in the Birmingham area. She met and married Walter Lee Berry, Jr, “Jack”, the love of her life, in 1953, devoting her time and talents to building a home for their family as Jack pursued a career in the space industry. Their life together began in San Diego and included career moves to Huntsville, Alabama, St. Simons Island and Yardley, Pennsylvania. They later moved to Birmingham, Alabama before retiring to St. Simons. Jack and Laura were married for 43 years, until the time of Jack’s death in 1996.

Laura was a gifted gardener and gracious hostess; her cooking skills were legend. The Berry’s house was a haven for family and friends and the table was set for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Spur of the moment guests were welcomed warmly and entertained beautifully. Laura gave generously of her time, serving in a number of church, school and civic roles.

Laura loved to travel with her daughters and their adventures over the course of the last two decades spanned tens of thousands of miles, creating memories that will last a lifetime. She adored her grandchildren, and had a keen way of relating to each of them. Laura enjoyed being introduced to new friends through her children and grandchildren, and she forged a treasured gallery of new friendships that she held dear. Laura was known affectionately by the nickname “Mom” by friends of all ages, coast to coast.

Laura is survived by her daughters Camille Berry Adams (Taylor) of St. Simons Island; Laura Alison Berry, Atlanta; Melanie Berry McCraney (Mike) Birmingham; and Mary Eugenia “Gena” Berry, Atlanta; grandchildren Tay Adams, Torrey Adams, Laura McCraney and Callie McCraney, and several nieces and nephews.

Laura will be remembered for her beautiful smile, kind heart and genuine delight in getting to know people. She exemplified grace, humility, gratitude and generosity. She had remarkable strength and resilience and unwavering leadership skills. She stood firm in her beliefs and eloquently articulated her points of view on politics, finance and other topics tossed her way. Her faith in God and trust in her Savior Jesus Christ guided her life and sustained her. “Come unto me all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. Matthew 11:28

A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 6, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Simons Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be made to St. Simons Presbyterian Church, 205 Kings Way, St. Simons Island, GA 31522 or Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525.