Judy Kay Berry

Judy Kay Berry, 68, of Centralia, died on Friday, Nov.14, 2014, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. She was born Sept. 8, 1946, in Centralia, daughter of Grover “Sully” and Marie (Spitz) Wilkinson. She married James W. Berry on February 4, 1967, at St. Mary Church in Centralia, with Fr. Alphonse Schomaker officiating. In addition to her husband, survivors include two daughters, Susan Berry and Michelle Pennington and husband, Wilfred, all of Centralia; two sons, Matt Berry and wife, Michelle, of Charleston and Christopher Berry and wife, Heidi, of Centralia; two brothers, Ronald Wilkinson and wife, Phyllis, of Indiana; and William “Bill” Wilkinson and wife, Kay, of North Carolina; brothers-in-law Harold Berry of New Jersey and Rodger Kalpokas of Pennsylvania; sisters-in-law, Justine Berry and Judy Mavers; four grandchildren, Arianne Courtney, Kirstin Grimes, Kaylin Courtney and Trecie Pennington of Centralia; great-grandchild Iliana Grimes; nieces, Christina Sheley, Sara Wilkinson, Tina Grant and Kelly Uhouse; nephews Paul Berry and Gordon Berry III; several cousins and great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Marilyn Wilkinson. Mrs. Berry was the daughter of a career U.S. Army non-commissioned officer, and traveled extensively with her parents during her childhood. She lived on base at Pine Camp, N.Y.; Ft. Sheridan, Chicago; Ft. Riley, Kansas; Eta Jima, Japan; Baumholder, Germany; and later, Ft. Benning, Georgia. She was a 1964 graduate of Baker High School in Columbus, Ga. She was employed in clerical duties at Scott Air Force Base in the mid 1960s, where she met her future husband, a U.S. Air Force medic. She later worked for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, from which she retired in 2011. Mrs. Berry was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia and was a charter member of the Central City Lioness Club. For many years she assisted her husband and his Vietnam Veterans of America group with weekly bingo games. She was a faithful room mother and volunteer at St. Mary School, hosting countless class parties, going on many field trips and helping to update and maintain the school library. Judy and her husband enjoyed traveling together and had taken an Alaskan cruise and visited Niagara Falls and Savannah, Ga. They traveled regularly to Florida, the Carolinas and the Philadelphia area to visit relatives. A favorite trip was taken to New York City and Washington, D.C., to see the tree at Rockefeller Center and tour the White House at Christmas. She also enjoyed attending concerts with her husband, shopping with her sister Marilyn, daughters and granddaughters and crafting with her dear friend Nancy Spitler. She was an avid reader. She took pride in maintaining her home both inside and out along with her husband; their home was always elegantly adorned for each season of the year. She loved to cook and entertain, and especially enjoyed hosting family gatherings during the holidays. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who cherished her family and friends. A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Centralia. Father Dale Maxfield will officiate. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until time of services at the church. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Centralia. Memorials may be made to Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital and will be received at the church or Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, which is handling arrangements.

Judy Kay Berry

September 8, 1946 - November 14, 2014