Callie Mae Caver Berry entered this life on June 6, 1931 in Cleveland, Mississippi to the late Sarah and Nelson Caver Sr. Callie was the 9th of 10 children. She was very smart, and became self-educated as a result of having to leave school and work in the cotton fields.
Callie accepted Christ in her youth and attended St Phillips MB Church in Cleveland under the leadership of Rev L. R. Skipper.
As a young woman, Callie was a well known Vocalist. She sang on the local radio station in Cleveland, Mississippi. Her melodious voice was heard throughout the city. She was often asked to sing at various events. Growing up in a family of 10 children, Callie became an excellent cook and house keeper. The Caver Home was full of love, joy and much prayer.
In 1960 Callie moved to Chicago, Illinois. There she met and married Major Berry Jr. He preceded her in death in April of 2013. Callie birthed 10 children and raised 14. Although she had 14 children, she loved and spoiled them all and never showed favoritism. She taught her sons and daughters to be great cooks. The home was always full of excitement and enriched with family values.
Callie was often found in the kitchen singing in her high soprano voice while cooking. She taught her daughters many spiritual hymns and would have them singing with her as she played the organ. Some of her favorites were: “Amazing Grace,” “Precious Lord,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Blessed Assurance,” “The Old Ship of Zion,” and “My Living Shall not be in Vain.”
Callie loved her grandchildren dearly and would ensure they didn’t leave her home until she put blessed oil on their foreheads.
She was called “Mother” not only by her children but by others as well. Everyone wanted her to be their Mother. This led her to having dozens of God children who were ALL very special to her. Callie had a radiant smile that exemplified so much Love that would fill any room. After the deaths of her older sisters she took on the role of the family Matriarch.
Callie worked Private Duty at Belton Stratford Hotel for many years until her retirement.
She joined Sweet Home MB Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Georgia Mangum. She later joined Freedom Temple COGIC under the leadership of Bishop Cody V. Marshall. She loved her church and Pastor. She served her church faithfully for over 30 years in various capacities such as the Inspirational Choir, Senior Choir, Pastors’ Aide and later as a part of the Mother’s board until her health began to fail.
Callie went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 30th at 7:30 a.m.
She leaves fondest memories to: one brother: Nelson Caver, Children: Alfred Caver (Joyce), Pamela Hill, Verlinda Shumpert (Ronald), Vincent Caver (Gabriella), Vickie Thomas (Earl), Wayne Caver (Yvonne), Lael Pinkston (Willie), Gail Kilo (Jesse) Claude Berry (Lenise) Sharon Jones (Jackie) and Latonya Berry. 3 sons preceded her in death, Michael Berry, Major Berry III and Phillip Berry. Daughter in law, Cindy, Sisters in law: Esther Haynes, Charleeta Maxwell, Willa Evans (Cyril), Brothers in law: Humont Berry (Betty), William Berry, 37 grandchildren, 3 preceded her in death, 50 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, God children, and a host of relatives and friends.
Arrangements under the direction of Kenny Brothers Funeral Directors, Evergreen Park, IL.
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