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<br /> SPECIAL PROCLAMATION NO. 4-2017
<br /> A SPECIAL PROCLAMATION AWARDED BY SOUTH BEND COUNCIL
<br /> MEMBER AT LARGE KAREN L. WHITE HONORING THE LIFE OF
<br /> BETTY JEAN (AUSTIN) BERRY
<br /> Ww;� Betty Jean (Austin) Berry was born to the union of the late Samuel Austin Sr. and the late
<br /> Vernator (Vernon) Austin on February 4, 1938, in Altheimer, Arkansas. When she was four years old Betty
<br /> relocated to South Bend, Indiana with her family. Betty received her education at Washington High School
<br /> and furthered her education at Indiana University at South Bend; and
<br /> N Betty married the late Burrell Berry Jr. and to their union, son, Barrett Tyson Berry was
<br /> born. Barrett was Betty's only child and he was her pride and joy. Betty was a beautiful and devoted mother
<br /> who strived to instill a sense of dignity, respect and distinction into Barrett's life. Betty, a proponent of
<br /> education, took pride in providing a private early school education for her son. She exposed her son to a life
<br /> without boundaries, limits, and expectations. Betty was always extremely proud of her son and his
<br /> accomplishments; and
<br /> 6*; Q from high school through retirement, Betty was a dedicated, working woman. While in
<br /> South Bend, she worked for Memorial Hospital, The Urban League, and as the Assistant to the Dean of
<br /> Freshmen Year Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Betty relocated to Santa Monica, California in the
<br /> mid-1970's to assist her brother Geno with his businesses. She moved to Torrance, California where she spent
<br /> her career in the 1980's and 1990's in the aerospace industry as a procurement professional. One of her greatest
<br /> joys was working alongside her dear friends at Turning Point Magazine,which included,organizing events for
<br /> First Lady Hilary Clinton, and managing the business affairs of American recording artist, Chaka Khan, and
<br /> other entertainers.Betty moved back to South Bend, and joined Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ
<br /> to worship under the leadership of her childhood friend Bishop Donald Alford, Sr.; and
<br /> 6ACPW4 in her past-time, she enjoyed collecting treasures as a hobby. She also loved the Urban
<br /> League,her Guild work,and attending the Links events. Betty was an unapologetically strong woman; she had
<br /> a sweet voice and sassy personality that was a source of inspiration to many. She was always willing to help
<br /> others---no questions asked and no judgments passed. She had the most generous, loving heart and touched
<br /> many lives with her presence. Her family and friends will always be thankful to God for the GIFT that was
<br /> HER LIFE. Surrounded by family and loved ones, Betty Berry passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2017.
<br /> O� AW;� �nd A
<br /> Section I. On behalf of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, and as an elected Council
<br /> Member At Large of the South Bend Common Council, I am pleased to publicly honor the life of Betty Jean
<br /> (Austin) Berry.
<br /> Section II. Betty leaves behind a rich harvest of memories to cherish,honor,and emulate for survivors:
<br /> son, Barrett (Rachel) Berry; sister, Debra (Richard) Jennings; brother, William "Bill" (Jan) Austin; brother,
<br /> George "Geno" Austin; sister-in law Sunny Austin; sister-in-law Joyce Ross; brother-in-law, Percy Jones;
<br /> brother-in-law, Carl Taylor; god-daughter, Stephanie Owens; and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews,
<br /> other relatives; and a host of life-long friends who enjoyed in her life's journey until the end.
<br /> Karen L. White, Council Member At Large
<br /> The South Bend Common Council
<br /> South Bend, Indiana
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