Rev. John Emmett Charles Berry, 94, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025. Born
on September 9, 1930, in Black Oak, Arkansas, John was the son of Arthur Lee Berry
and Nellie Bay Berry Frazier.

John's life was defined by dedicated service, beginning with a distinguished military
career. He faithfully served his country for 20 years, first in the Navy for eight years and
then in the Air Force for over 12 years, retiring on August 31,1969. After his military
service, John continued to serve his community as a correctional officer at the California
Rehabilitation Center in Norco, California. He later worked at Camp Pilot Rock, where
he oversaw honor prisoners who served as firefighting crews.

A man of deep faith, John was ordained as a minister with the Assemblies of God and,
alongside his beloved wife Beatrice Curtright Berry, dedicated his time to ministering to
the deaf community of Southern California. He was preceded in death by his wife,
Beatrice Curtright Berry; his parents, Arthur Lee Berry and Nellie Bay Berry Frazier; and
his siblings, Jean Dunn and Leon Berry and foster son Fernando Zaldivar.
John will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather,
and great-great-grandfather. A true patriot and servant, he rose from humble beginnings
as a child of sharecroppers in Arkansas to a life of tireless work for others. He was
always ready to show up and get things done, embodying a spirit of service that
touched countless lives.

John's presence will be deeply missed by his loving family. He is survived by his four
children: Cynthia Berry Lowery (b. 1958), John "Skip" Berry (b. 1961), Ronald Lee Berry
(b. 1964), Rex Edmond Berry (b. 1970) and nephew Steven Berry (b. 1958). His
enduring legacy will live on through his children, numerous grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Calvary Deaf Church in Grand Terrace in John's name.