Arletha Berry

Arletha Berry, age 82 died peacefully on October 2, 2012, after a brief struggle with cancer. Arletha was born July 23, 1930 in Virginia Beach, Virginia, the daughter of William C. Ward and Jenie Whitfield.

In 1946, Arletha married the love of her life, Howard Berry, Sr., a very handsome and dashing looking sailor in the United States Navy. In 1954 Howard, Arletha and their children moved to Seattle, later adding three more children to the family

In addition to raising their eight children, she was a foster parent, den mother, and juvenile court advocate. She worked as a childcare professional for Mother Goose and Tiny Tots Childcare. Arletha was very active in her church community, she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, held the office of church secretary, and was a licensed missionary in the Church of God in Christ. Arletha was an active member of Abundant Life Church of God in Christ under the pastoralship of Jearl and Evelina Williams, who are intimate friends of the Berry family.

Arletha is survived by her husband of 66 years, Howard Berry; daughters, Audrey, Charlene and Michelle (Richard); sons, Howard Jr., Reginald (Sharon), Fred (Brenda) of Modesto, CA, David (Gina) and Albert (Leatrice); fifthteen grandchildren, Portia, Gina (Elias), Sacha (Sherman), Amica (deceased), Leondis, Daniel, Jereme, Michelle, Tashiona(Charles), Phillip, Sasha, Amanda, Achijah, Myeshia, and Natalie, Yolanda, Mary and Reginald; twenty great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Mildred Hall and Carrie Berry; two grand nephews, William (Beatrice) and Angelo (Tatiana); special niece, Evelyn Brown and a number of other relatives and close friends.