Obituary of Jeffrey William Berry

Celebration of the Life of Jeffrey William Berry

Jeffrey William Berry was born on August 14, 1945 in Mecosta, Michigan. He was the third child born to John Henry Berry Jr. and Maxine (Norman) Berry. Jeff was born the day the Japanese announced their surrender, effectively ending WWII. His father wanted to name him Victor for Victory, but his mother vehemently disagreed. So, they named him after one of the heroes in a Western novel that his dad was reading named Jeffrey. His brother John was born on August 13, 1942 and one year later, Jerry was born on August 14^th. The Berry Boys always celebrated their birthdays together and were lifelong best friends. Sister Linda joined the band of brothers on April 18, 1947. 

Jeffrey graduated from Mecosta High School in 1963, where he excelled in his classes and basketball. He attended Central Michigan University where he received a basketball scholarship. However, during that summer, he broke his ankle playing “tug-of-war” with family and friends in the backyard on the farm. He was drafted into the US Marines in 1966 and honorably discharged in 1968. 

He married Adrian Brown and they later divorced. They did not have children. He later married Doria Williams in 1981 and they were blessed with their first-born, Ashley. A few years later, they relocated to Georgia and they had a double blessing with twin boys, Justin and Dustin. Jeffrey and Doria later divorced. Jeffrey proudly adored his children. He was jubilant of Ashley’s achievements, humanitarian missions, and professional journey to complete medical school. She is currently practicing her fellowship in Cincinnati. He applauded Justin for being an exceptional father and Dustin for starting a great life with a terrific wife. In addition, he was ecstatic to have Mariah as his daughter-in-law and marveled at “What a happy couple she and Dustin make.”

After his military tour, he was employed for many years at the Oldsmobile GM Plant in Lansing where he specialized in car paints. He was later employed and retired from the City of Kalamazoo as a chemist in 2002. 

Jeffrey was actively and passionately involved in his community as an auxiliary member of the Mecosta VFW, a member of Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Kalamazoo. He was also an active Mason and with great honor, he achieved the level of Grand Inspector General of the 33^rdand Last Degree of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Those who knew Jeffrey were keenly aware of his daily/weekly routine visiting local establishments. He played in Euchre tournaments, Trivia Games, and his favorite pastime, Karaoke.

He leaves to mourn daughter Dr. Ashley-Marie Berry of Cincinnati, Ohio, Justin Berry of Farmington, Michigan, Dustin (Mariah) Berry of Detroit, Michigan and his grandson Julien Isaac Berry, brothers John Berry III (Marie) of Southfield, Michigan, Jerry Berry of Mecosta, Michigan, and sister Marguerite (Linda) Berry of Brentwood, Tennessee, and a long-time significant partner Baby (Dona) Warren of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends Archie (Sheryl) Lake & Earl (Andrea) Mayer and a host of others he encountered during his journey of life. He embodied the spirit of pride of his Berry heritage, his family, and in his one and only grandchild Julien. 

A Celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 12:00 pm, at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, MI with Pastor Randy Piatt officiating. Family will greet friends and relatives at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 am to the time of service. 

Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the School Section Lake Park. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.