Vernon Rodney Berry

Vernon Rodney (Vern) Berry, 78 of Martinsville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June12, 2014 in Millersville, Maryland due to complications from a brain aneurysm. He was surrounded by his family and his Sheltie “Sport”. Vern was born in Rochester, Massachusetts, February 7, 1936 to the late Rodney and Hazel Swift Berry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Althea Bradley Barett.

Vern is survived by his wife of 50 years, Doris Hale Berry; son Vernon Rodney (Rod) Berry, II of Martinsville; daughter Sharon Kay (Shay) Berry Bradshaw and her husband, Timothy of Millersville, MD. and his treasured grandchildren Alicia, Lindsay, and Samuel Bradshaw and his dog Sport. Also, surviving is his sister Blanche Bartlett Ellis of Cape Cod Massachusetts.

Vern served in the United States Army from 1954 until 1957. He was a graduate of Southeastern Massachusetts University and retired from DuPont with over 32 years of service. Vern spent the past 18 years as a Realtor associate and office manager with Berry-Elliott Realtors.

Vern was a very community and civic minded person who co-headed a draw-down fundraiser for the Mentally and Physically Challenged of Martinsville and Henry County. He was extremely active in Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 22 years. He also donated in excess of 22 gallons of blood to help others.

Vern came to embrace Martinsville and Henry County and credited his being transferred to and living in this community for over 50 years as one of the greatest blessings to happen to him with the exception of his family. He loved the South and it's people

The funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Mark White officiating. Interment will follow in the Roselawn Abbey.

To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com.