Shirley Mae (Flowers) Berry

Shirley Mae Berry, passed away on April 20, 2023, at the age of 87. Born in Dewey, Oklahoma in 1935, Shirley was the only child of Jesse Marion and Lula (Flowers). From a young age, she showed remarkable drive and determination, refusing to let any obstacle stand in her way. After moving to Wichita, Kansas, with her mother, Shirley attended both elementary and middle school before later deciding to complete her GED.

One day, while chatting with a friend, Shirley spotted a handsome brown-skinned man pulling into the parking lot. Without hesitating, she whispered to her friend, "I'm going to marry that man". And that's exactly what she did. William and Shirley Mae Berry were married in Oklahoma and celebrated 55 years of marriage, weathering the ups and downs of life with strength, perseverance, and a fierce commitment to family. Shirley enjoyed spending time and creating memories with her children. Her proudest moments were their graduations, weddings, life accomplishments and of course the births of her grandchildren.

Shirley was not just a grandmother; she was a force of love and compassion that radiated within her family. Her house was always open to them, and she would do anything to make sure they felt safe and loved. It wasn't just her children and grandchildren that felt her kindness, but her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren too.

Shirley had always been a strong believer in God, and she accepted him into her life at an early age. As she grew older, she found comfort in her faith and joined North Heights Church where she continued to be a member throughout her life. Her love for God was unwavering, and it shone through every aspect of her life. Her family members often marveled at how she managed to keep her faith strong, even when life was throwing curveballs at her.

Shirley was a woman who had always held a special place in the hearts of those she met. She spent most of her life working in healthcare institutions - a job she found rewarding because it allowed her to provide comfort and advocacy to those who were unwell. Despite the long hours and sacrifices that came with the job, Shirley never once complained. In fact, she considered it a privilege to serve others.

When Shirley was not at work, she enjoyed hosting social gatherings at her house. She was an excellent cook and would always prepare delicious meals for her guests. Her home was filled with laughter, warmth, and love, and everyone who walked in felt welcomed. Shirley's love for playing cards and bingo was well known. She had a competitive streak in her, and it was evident whenever she played with her friends or family. Her interests extended beyond hosting social gatherings. She had a passion for traveling, gardening, crafting, and cooking large meals. She was a woman who lived life to the fullest, and continued to spend countless moments with her family.

Preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Lula Marion; husband, William Berry; son, Carlton Collins; and daughter-in-law, Kim Berry.

Survivors include: children, Anetta Moreaux of Houston, TX, Larry (Linda) Collins of Wichita, James Bobo of Brooklyn, NY, Curtis Berry of Wichita, William “Little William” Berry (Teresa) of Wichita, Margaret Berry of St. Louis, MO, Eddie Berry of Wichita, Shannon Berry of Kalamazoo, MI; 22 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and step-siblings, Lester and Barbara Jean.

Funeral service for Shirley will be held 10:00 AM, Monday, May 1, 2023 with visitation one hour prior starting at 9:00 AM, both at Lakeview Funeral Home, 12100 E. 13th Street N., Wichita, KS. Entombment will follow the service at Lakeview Cemetery in the Mausoleum.

Acknowledgment:

The family of Shirley Berry would like to take the time to express our sincere appreciation for your prayers, expressions of love, words of comfort, and support given during our time of bereavement. We are so grateful for the untiring support and assistance received from our extended family members, close friends, church and work families. Your visits, calls, errands and prayer lines all kept us strong. Through your caring and faithful steadfastness we were able to endure whatever God allowed. God bless each and every one of you.

Special Thanks to those individuals for the care, concern and support extended to my mother/ grandmother during her hospitalization and dialysis.

~The Family~