Mary Abbie Deshon Berg

Mrs. Mary Abbie Berg, a native of Beaumont, Texas and a resident of Mobile since early childhood, died on Friday, June 21, 2013. She was a graduate of Murphy High School and Duke University with a degree in Sociology. Shortly after graduation she married Mervin John Berg a Naval Aviator. As a wife of a Naval Officer, she traveled extensively, including Spain. Her husband was Chief of Staff at Rota Naval Base the largest Naval Base in Europe and she was entertained by Historical Spanish Families including the uncle of Juan Carlos the current King of Spain. After returning to Mobile, through the United Way she established Senior Citizen Services of Mobile in 1970. It was one of the first five Aging Programs established in Alabama. She was a forceful advocate for Services for Senior Citizens in Alabama. She was inducted to the Alabama Hall of Fame and was also Senior Citizen of the Year and attended the White House Council on Aging in Washington, D.C.. Devoted to community services she was the President of the Pilot Club of Mobile and a founding member of the Odyssey Adult Continuing Education Program of Mobile. After many years of diligent work she realized her dream of obtaining a building for Seniors on Dauphin St. Upon her retirement as Executive Director the main building now bears her name as the Mary Abbie Berg Senior Center. Socially in Mobile she was a member of a group of Mobile Ladies known as the Sewing Club. They met regularly for 50 years and were featured in the Wall Street Journal. A loving mother she is survived by her daughters, Sarah Helen Berg and Mary Herndon Berg Smith and other relatives. Mrs. Berg was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where she was devoted to her faith. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 11 AM at St Paul’s Episcopal Little Church, with visitation starting at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to St. Paul’s Church. Burial will be in Pine Crest.

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