Neva Berry

Born: Feb. 27, 1921

Died: Dec. 22, 2012

Neva Berry, 91, of Dowagiac, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at the home of her granddaughter in Niles, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born in Engadine, Mich., on Feb. 27, 1921.

Neva met James Berry at a polka lounge, where he played in a three-piece orchestra.

On Dec. 10, 1943, she married James at a ceremony in Newberry, Mich.

Together they raised seven wonderful children. A homemaker most of her life, Neva was a great cook, a gifted seamstress and always raised a beautiful flower garden, leaving James to grow their vegetable garden.

Neva had a great faith and was even a song leader at her church for several years. Her family was her greatest treasure and she loved being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband James Berry in 2010, a son James Berry in 2007 and a daughter Janice Hall in 2009.

Neva was also preceded in death by all of her siblings.

Neva is survived by: her sons, Kenneth, Daniel and Michael Berry of Dowagiac; two daughters, Yvonne Weston of Niles and Annette Heron of Dowagiac; 13 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel, beginning at 10 a.m. with funeral services at noon.

Memorial donations may be made in Neva’s memory to Hospice at Home Inc., 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.