Lavona Berry

Mother LaVona Berry was born October 12, 1928 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her parents were the Reverend Hugley Brown (deceased) and Mrs. Bessie Mae Brown (deceased) and from this union two children were born, Sylvia (deceased) and LaVona.

Upon the passing of Sr. Mtr. Bessie Wynn’s first husband she later married Pres. Elder Joseph Wynn Sr. (deceased) and out of this union four children were born: PE Frank Wynn (deceased), Eldrs. Eunice Brown, APE Joseph Wynn Jr. (deceased), and Eldrs. Judith McCray (deceased).

Mtr. LaVona Berry graduated from Woodard High School and went to work for Cincinnati General Hospital as a nurse’s aide. Next, she worked for the University of Cincinnati 23 years as an administrative assistant. While working at the university she received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Journalism.

At the age of 21, Mtr. LaVona Berry married Mr. Willis Berry Jr. (deceased) and God blessed them with five children whom she loved very much, she extended this same love to many others. A portion of Mtr. Berry’s family became acquainted with members of the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob in the late 1950’s and they cast their lot with the church. Mtr. Berry also became a member of the Supreme Council of the House Jacob in the early 1960’s, at the age of 40 years old, in Walnut Hills of Cincinnati, Ohio. She attended her church services in Loveland, Lincoln Heights, and Blanchester, Ohio.

Mtr. Berry had a beautiful voice and loved to sing. She was an original member of the Harps of Zion and The Supreme Council of the House of Jacob National Choir. After Mtr. Berry retired from her job, she moved to Bethlehem Township, Ohio in 1996 and continued to sing with the Bethlehem Villagers and the Young-At-Heart Choir. She wrote many songs, but the song known best throughout Israel is called “It’s So Beautiful”.

Mtr. LaVona Berry worked part-time for Jacob’s Dwelling Nursing Home as a dietary aide.She was also an excellent seamstress and used her talent for the church by sewing cottas for a number of years, alongside Mtr. Nellie Coffman in the Church Cotta Room. We thank God for the great example she has been for each of us, by showing her dedication, love and zeal for the Lord, through the life she lived.

Mtr. LaVona Berry is survived by one sibling; Eldrs. Eunice Brown of Cincinnati, Ohio; three children: Mtr. Marla Irene Katherine (APE Lemuel) Dryer of Bethlehem Township, Ohio; Bro. Elliott Dwayne Berry of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Bro. Timothy Lamont Berry of Cincinnati, Ohio; 23 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Mtr Berry would always sing around the house, so in conclusion, as she would say “Yes It’s So Beautiful When You Can Serve The Lord”.

She will be forever remembered by her family and friends.

The family acknowledges all cards and condolences.