Mary Elizabeth Berry

Mary Elizabeth Berry, a gift from God, was born on 25 October 1964 in Durham, NC to Robert C. and Judith May Berry. She died Wednesday, 4 May 2011 in St. Louis, MO. Elizabeth's life was full and well lived. She graduated from Jordan High School, from NC State University and then worked at the A.E. Finley YMCA in Raleigh, NC. Later Elizabeth entered Duke University Divinity School, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 2002. A lover of children, she decided to become a Pediatric Chaplain and completed Residency Programs at the North Carolina Children's Hospital, UNC, and at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas. In 2005 Elizabeth began her work as Pediatric Chaplain at St. Louis Children's Hospital. A lover of life, Elizabeth was an organ donor. Elizabeth's family is large and loving. She is survived by her parents, a brother Clay and his wife and heart sister Beth Berry, sister and friend Susan Berry Ohlsen and three nephews she adored, Christopher and Benjamin Berry and Ryan Ohlsen. Numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins made up her immediate family and she loved the family gatherings. Rest in peace sweet girl. God loves you and so do we. Elizabeth's extended family included most people she knew for more than a month. Her house mate Emily Strong and pets Mick and Keebler gave and received mutual love and care. Her immediate family sends our thanks and condolences to all who loved, nurtured and brought joy to our precious girl's life. A service of Thanksgiving and Celebration will be held on Wednesday, 11 May at 11:00 a.m. at the Watts Street Baptist in Durham. Officiating will be the Rev. Diane Hill and the Rev. Mel T. Williams. A reception will be held in the social room of the church following the service. There will also be a celebration of her life at St. Louis Children's Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to St. Louis Children's Hospital, PO Box 955423, St. Louis, MO 63195-5423; Mid-America Transplant Services (MTS) Center for Life, 1110 Highlands Plaza Dr. E, #100, St. Louis, MO 63110-1350; ASPCA % Linda Tiramani, 520 8th Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10018 (or your local Save Shelter for Cats and Dogs), or to the chairty of your choice.