Issue 1
A PERIODIC NEWSLETTER FOR THE MT. PLEASANT COMMUNITY AND BEYOND
BUILT ON THE WORD, CONNECTED TO CHRIST, COMMITTED TO SERVANT-LEADERSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY
A Loving Tribute to Sister Juanita Berry
February 4, 1921 - September 22, 2020 By Sister Shirley Cunningham. It was such a jolt to my heart upon hearing the passing of Sister Juanita Berry, mother of Patton Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and our eldest member. I am sure that each member felt a certain disbelief as the news spread of her transition. Even at the age of ninety-nine years of age, Sister Berry was quick-witted, sharp minded and spiritually vibrant. Sister Berry was a loving and caring matriarch of her family. She always gave the Lord all the praise for blessing each day of her life. She was a devoted member of Patton Memorial C.M.E Church for more than forty years. Sister Berry sat on the same pew every Sunday,
for every service, celebration, and program. It was her special place to "hear the Word" as she would say and to belt out an Amen to a sermon or song selection. From this special seating, she would greet each person as they entered the sanctuary before service. It was a seat on the 50-yard line, reserved just for Sister Berry! You couldn't slip pass her if you were late to Sunday service. She would still greet you with her voice booming over the already started service! Sister Berry lived on East 142nd Street in the Mt. Pleasant area for over 62 plus years, right down the street from her beloved Patton Memorial. She was well known and loved throughout the community. She was very active in many community events, street clubs and at Murtis Taylor Center located on 134th Street and Kinsman Road, where for many years, lifelong friendships grew and bloomed. Sister Berry enrolled in many craft, art and sewing classes there. She often modeled her fashion creation in the many fashion shows held at Murtis Taylor Center. Sister Berry was also a member of a crocheting club, The Happy Hookers. She crocheted hats and scarves for handicapped children. She also crocheted beautiful afghan blankets. She was a talented beautician. Sister Berry attended typing classes at Cuyahoga Community College, where she was the oldest in her class and was proud of that fact! She also learned to play the piano as well. I was so blessed to share a few hours with Sister Berry in the month of May this year. She was in the process of moving to Washington to live with her