June Wilson Berry

June Wilson Berry, 91, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2014 in Virginia Beach. Born in Norfolk to the late Ezekiel and Esther Hewitt Wilson, she was also predeceased by her husband, Capt. Francis Joseph Berry on March 5, 2003, and her son, Patrick Wilson Berry on December 13, 2001. The youngest of 3 sisters, June was a childhood acrobat, actress, model, and dancer in local shows and performances, and a 1940 graduate of Maury High School, Norfolk, VA. After high school she attended Norfolk Division of William and Mary, began teaching Sunday-school and then became a Recreation Leader. A devoted mother and wife of Captain Francis Berry, she raised her six children in various U.S. cities including Providence, R.I., Coronado, CA., Charleston, SC, Virginia Beach, VA, and Arlington, VA. Through her years, June kept very busy volunteering at local libraries, schools, and churches, and with her own children’s various activities. She was very supportive of any person, including God and all living creatures. Prayer was part of her daily life, and her smile, positive well-being, and kindness will be remembered by anyone who ever met her. She was a 59 year member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Survivors are sons, Matthew Francis of FL, Nathan Hewitt of NC, and Christopher McGrath of Virginia Beach; daughters, Kathleen Brownell of CO and Rebecca Kalibat of NJ and ten grandchildren.

A Visitation is scheduled on June 3, 2014, from 6-8 p.m., at Murphy's Funeral Home, 4510 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22203.

A Funeral Mass will be on June 4, 2014 at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel beginning at 8:45 a.m., followed by graveside service at Arlington National Cemetery. For Fort Myer Old Post Chapel service you must enter through Wright Gate at Fort Myer. For directions go to www.jbmhh.army.mil, then down left column click on JBM-HH Maps and Directions. Wright Gate is on Marshall Dr at Meade St just off Rte 110. Print map of Fort Myer and map below for clarification.

http://www.usarmyband.com/plan-your-visit/directions-to-fort-myer.html

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.smithandwilliamkempsville.com.

June's Biography

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be June Wilson Berry. She was a warm-hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. A true American and Navy housewife, she was especially passionate about cooking, and birthdays, and holidays (both American and Religious). Everyone's birthday was special to her, and she gave a tremendous amount of time making the birthday special for that person year after year. As a matter of fact, each meal of each day was always carefully planned out for her family and/or guests. Wrapping and gift-giving was important to her and cooking the appropriate menu was always individually thought out and accomplished. Thanksgiving was always a big family event, and at Christmastime, she would spend countless hours tediously decorating butter cookies, baking snowball cookies, and of course her infamous scrabble mix. Year after year at Christmas, June would not only hand bake these items, but she would package them, and send them, in meticulously hand-decorated containers, to multiple friends and family. Truly a heart-warming gift of time from her heart. She was also a gardener, and found pleasure in planting and tending to her flower garden each spring and summer. She took her work seriously. Her primary occupation was housewife and volunteer, however she was employed for her husband at his C.P.A. firm in Arlington. She was a 59 year active member of the National Society of the Daughters of Revolution, and was a Republican. June was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant. She would often repeat her favorite Bible quotes and prayers as gentle reminders on how to improve our attitude and outlook on daily life. She loved music, and to sing and dance. A childhood acrobat, actress, model, and dancer, made it easy for her to break out into a song and dance in front of a crowd. She played the piano beautifully, and for years taught all 6 of her own children to play the piano with weekly lessons. These talents, especially the singing, remained with her through her final days.

She was the daughter of Ezekiel Wilson and Esther Hewitt. June was raised in Norfolk, Virginia, with 2 older sisters, Eugenia and Dorothy. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. June was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. The youngest of the three girls, she always followed what her older sisters wanted for her, that being especially the acrobatics, acting and modeling. Her husband, Frank, was very wise and thrifty, and this developed extreme coupon-cutting for June. She became a true master and wizard at scouting the local sales, and saving quite a bit of money for her family. June also found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. She was a loyal volunteer at schools, libraries, and churches for many many years. She was also a cat lover. This developed from her mother breeding champion seal-point siamese cats in there home. Some of her favorites were Ting Wah and Smitty. June was blessed bearing six active and athletic children of her own, Patrick, Matthew, Nathan, Kathleen, Christopher, and Rebecca. And thereafter also blessed with 10 grandchildren, Frank, Andrew, Elizabeth, Kristiana, Natalie, Peter, Meghan, Olivia, Nolan, and Sophie. She couldn't help but to become a sports fan of all sports. Especially ball sports and aquatics. Whether a winner or loser, she would always be a positive supporter and fan, and express compliments on a great job done. These admirable qualities would become a part of June's personality throughout her life.

Raising her 6 children she enjoyed vacations to Norfolk (Virginia Beach), Ocean City, MD, Hawaii, Australia, and various other U.S. states. And later in life found new pleasure traveling to visit her grown children and grandchildren. June passed away on March 10, 2014 at Pacifica Senior Living in Virginia Beach, VA. She died of advanced dementia. She is survived by 5 of her children, Matthew, Nathan, Kathleen, Christopher, and Rebecca, and the 10 grandchildren. Services were held at Fort Myer Chapel and Arlington Cemetary, in Arlington, VA, on June 4, 2014. June was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetary with her husband Francis Joseph Berry.

June was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. She always tried to find something to say to someone that would make them feel good about themselves. And whenever she said something, she meant it, of course always with a smile. She believed it took more energy, and made more wrinkles to frown, than to smile! June was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so welcoming of anyone who met her. And how she was always understanding, kind, thoughtful, and forgiving. Everyone whose life she touched will miss June Wilson Berry.