Dr. Claire Edwin Berry

Dr. Claire Edwin Berry, age 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at his home in Poway, California. Claire was born July 25,1930 in Richmond, Indiana, the second son of James Noble Berry and Mary Ellen Gilmore.

Claire was a graduate of Johnson Bible College, Knoxville, TN, where he met and married the love of his life, Charlotte Pearl Pate, of Johnson City, Tennessee, on September 5,1950. He earned his Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN, Master of Arts from Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, and Doctor of Ministry from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. While pursuing his education, Claire and Charlotte served churches in Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida.

Claire served thirteen years as senior minister of the Parkway Christian Church in Fort Lauderdale, FL, seven years as senior minister of Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, TN, and eighteen years as the senior minister of Torrey Pines Christian Church in La Jolla, CA.

Claire retired from full time ministry in 1996 and served as interim minister at the First Christian Church in Van Nuys, CA and also at The Little Stone Church on Mackinac Island, MI. In retirement, he enjoyed golf, traveling, and spending time with family.

Claire is survived by his wife of 72 years, Charlotte, son Kim Berry and wife Becky, son James (Bart) Berry, daughter Laurie Wright and husband Danny, daughter Luanne Berry, and daughter-in-law Lisa Berry. He was a loving "Papaw" to six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Scott Berry.

Claire loved life and lived it well. He was highly respected in the communities he served, ministering to others with the love of Christ. He had a deep faith in God and served Him in many ways throughout his life. The lives of many, young and old alike, were touched and even changed by his counsel and example. Well done, good and faithful servant!

A memorial service celebrating Claire's life will take place on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 10:00 am at Torrey Pines Church. A reception will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Torrey Pines Church and designated for the Berry Center for Early Childhood Education at Torrey Pines Church, 8320 La Jolla Scenic Drive North, La Jolla, CA 92037

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sorrentovalleychapel.com for the Berry family.