Patricia Edwards Berry, known to her family and friends as Pat , left this earthly world to meet her Lord on February 22, 2014. Pat was born to James Milton Edwards and Jacqueline Willis Edwards on January 2, 1952, in New Albany, Mississippi, where she lived and grew to adulthood. After graduating high school in New Albany, Pat continued her studies at Northeast Community College, transferring to the University of Mississippi Medical Centers School of Dentistry in Jackson, where she received her Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene. Pat moved to Columbus as a practicing hygienist, where she met and later married Charles Russell Berry March 1, 1975. Pat Berry loved to cook, so much so, that, after sharing her talents with friends, family and community for many years, she enrolled in Mississippi University for Womens Culinary School, and graduated with a B.S. in Culinary Science. She taught several courses at the university and was a teacher for MUWs culinary camp for children. Pat later was engaged to teach several courses for the Viking Company in Greenwood, MS. During these busy years, Pat began an entrepreneurial venture by launching a company of her own, called Food, Flowers, and Designs. She worked as a caterer for public and private events to deliver the very best of her skills as a chef and also as a certified wedding/event planner. In other areas of work, Pat was always ready to do whatever was necessary to help her family and husband, by working steadfastly with him in their family business, Quick Lift. Pat Berry was an activist and enthusiast in the things she loved most, her family and friends, her church, and cooking. She gave time to the service of others. Pat was a devoted wife and mother, a servant and evangelist for her church, Main Street Presbyterian, not only in Mississippi, but also abroad. She taught Sunday school here in Columbus and traveled to Belize in missionary service. Pat was a life member of Junior Auxiliary of Columbus, leading as Pilgrimage Ball Chairman. She also worked endless hours at Camp Rising Sun in its initial days and beyond. Pat was preceded in death by her father and mother, James Milton Edwards and Jacqueline (Jackie) Edwards. She is survived by her husband, Charles Russell Berry, her son Charles Russell Berry II and his fianc, Megan Brooke Montgomery, her daughter, Laurabeth Berry Harris and her husband, Drew Harris. Pats grandchildren lovingly call her Cookie and include Benjamin Russell Berry, James Edward Berry, Lounora Drake Harris, and Henry Ellis Harris. In addition, she is survived by her step mother, Georgia Helen Edwards of New Albany, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, and many other family members and friends. Pallbearers are Mike Waters, Buford Tubbs, Frank Powers, Richard Fleming, John Hutchinson, and Duke Berry. Honorary pallbearers are Trip Hairston, Charles Gillispie, Paul Fore, and Aubry Silvers. Visitation will be Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Tuesday morning at 11:00 at Main Street Presbyterian Church, with the Reverends David Strain and Ford Williams officiating. Internment will follow at Friendship Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703 or palmerhome.org/donate/honor-gifts/.
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