Edna Marzelle Berry

Most of Marzelle’s childhood was spent in Fort Worth, Texas. Her parents instilled a strong work ethic and placed a high value on education. Marzelle graduated from Polytechnic High School, then followed her beloved older brother Lavelle to Wheaton College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in 1948.

Marzelle loved young people and worked as a Young Life volunteer during college. After graduating, she joined Young Life staff in the Dallas area, then in 1952 moved back to Wheaton to work on staff there. She met Eugene Berry through Young Life and they married in 1954. Even as they added two energetic boys to the family, “Beenie” and later Gene remained active Young Life volunteers for many years, leading clubs, hosting campaigners, and making frequent cross-country trips to counsel at Colorado camps.

Soon after the family moved to Colorado in 1972, Marzelle re-entered the workforce first as a secretary, then as the activities director in a retirement community, finally returning to her love of youth ministry as an administrative assistant for the Young Life-affiliated Military Community Youth Ministries (MCYM). Even after retirement, she remained an active follower and supporter of Young Life’s and MCYM’s mission and message.

Marzelle lived independently past her 97th birthday, continuing to manage her own affairs and to entertain her many friends with great warmth and a sometimes hilarious wit. She beat cancer in 1971 and was grateful for over 50 additional years to enjoy her family and friends. She loved her earthly home and companions but also looked forward with great anticipation to her heavenly home. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her, but we rejoice that her longing for heaven is now fulfilled.

Marzelle was preceded in death by her parents Jesse Dewey Beene and Hazel Ann (Rogers) Beene, by her brother Lavelle and his wife Marie, and by her former spouse Eugene T. Berry. She is survived by sons Mark Berry and Craig Berry (Maureen Kupstas).

A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 9, 2023 at 1:00pm in the Cathedral Room of First Presbyterian Church, 219 East Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Young Life or MCYM.