Sunrise ~ February 8, 1981
Sunset ~ October 14, 2011
Octavis LaMar Berry, 30, of Austin, Texas, was born February 8, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois to Pauline Starnes and Paul Leon Berry. Octavis was the only child born to this union. Octavis professed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 14, and was baptized on May 1, 1994, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, located in Chicago. Octavis was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Perry L. and Mattie B. Berry; two brothers, Kenneth and LaDarrick Torry; and nephew, Kenneth Torry Jr.
Octavis attended Lyndon B. Johnson High School, and later received his GED. Octavis passionately pursued his life long dream as a performer in the Hip-Hop music industry. At an early age, Octavis had a master command of the English language and was known as a natural “wordsmith.” Octavis was a very loving and generous person with an infectious smile and a “larger than life” personality, but most importantly, he loved his children.
Octavis, also known as, ‘Esbe the 6th Street Bully’ or simply ‘Da Bully’ began his journey on the local Hip-Hop scene in 2003 as half of the group ‘Dred Scott’. Their first performance was at the Victory Grill, located in the historical district of East Austin. In 2008, the group Dred Scot teamed up with local like-minded Hip-Hop artists, Da C.O.D. and Southbound, thus forming ‘The League of Extraordinary Gz’ (LOEGz). Shortly after releasing their first mixtape, the LOEGz landed a spot on the Texas Hip-Hop showcase at SXSW 2009-2011. The LOEGz’s resume includes performances with: Paul Wall and Chamillionaire, MTV2’s Texas Day, Swisha House, Devin the Dude, Jackie Chain, and Dead Prez, and many others. In October of this year, the group was also invited to perform at the AC3 Hip-Hop festival in Atlanta, GA. Octavis had the passion, drive, and courage to follow his dreams.
Octavis departed this life on Friday, October 14, 2011. Octavis’ children, family, and friends will truly miss him.
Octavis leaves to cherish his memory: two daughters, Shontay Renee Simonton, 13 (step-daughter) and Krystal LaShon Berry, 8; two sons, Tavarius Lamar Berry, 11 and Octavis Levar Berry Jr., 10; Mother, Pauline Starnes; Father, Paul Berry (Brenda); Grandmother, Dorothy Starnes; three sisters: Angela Enoch (Jon), Katara Lawanda and Krystal LaShon Berry; two step-sisters: Debra Ferrell and Laura Charles; three brothers: Paul Leon Jr., Perry Leron, and Elliott L. Berry; and two step-brothers: Charles and John Ferrell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation to be held from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville. Octavis' Homegoing Celebration will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2011 at the David Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 2211 E. Martin Luther King Blvd., Austin, Texas 78702. Graveside services will follow at Cook-Walden/Memorial Hill Cemetery in Pflugerville.
To share memories of Octavis with his family, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com
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