HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-2017 Proclamation honoring life of Betty Jean (Austin) Berry 0
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SPECIAL PROCLAMATION NO. 4-2017
A SPECIAL PROCLAMATION AWARDED BY SOUTH BEND COUNCIL
MEMBER AT LARGE KAREN L. WHITE HONORING THE LIFE OF
BETTY JEAN (AUSTIN) BERRY
Ww;� Betty Jean (Austin) Berry was born to the union of the late Samuel Austin Sr. and the late
Vernator (Vernon) Austin on February 4, 1938, in Altheimer, Arkansas. When she was four years old Betty
relocated to South Bend, Indiana with her family. Betty received her education at Washington High School
and furthered her education at Indiana University at South Bend; and
N Betty married the late Burrell Berry Jr. and to their union, son, Barrett Tyson Berry was
born. Barrett was Betty's only child and he was her pride and joy. Betty was a beautiful and devoted mother
who strived to instill a sense of dignity, respect and distinction into Barrett's life. Betty, a proponent of
education, took pride in providing a private early school education for her son. She exposed her son to a life
without boundaries, limits, and expectations. Betty was always extremely proud of her son and his
accomplishments; and
6*; Q from high school through retirement, Betty was a dedicated, working woman. While in
South Bend, she worked for Memorial Hospital, The Urban League, and as the Assistant to the Dean of
Freshmen Year Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Betty relocated to Santa Monica, California in the
mid-1970's to assist her brother Geno with his businesses. She moved to Torrance, California where she spent
her career in the 1980's and 1990's in the aerospace industry as a procurement professional. One of her greatest
joys was working alongside her dear friends at Turning Point Magazine,which included,organizing events for
First Lady Hilary Clinton, and managing the business affairs of American recording artist, Chaka Khan, and
other entertainers.Betty moved back to South Bend, and joined Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ
to worship under the leadership of her childhood friend Bishop Donald Alford, Sr.; and
6ACPW4 in her past-time, she enjoyed collecting treasures as a hobby. She also loved the Urban
League,her Guild work,and attending the Links events. Betty was an unapologetically strong woman; she had
a sweet voice and sassy personality that was a source of inspiration to many. She was always willing to help
others---no questions asked and no judgments passed. She had the most generous, loving heart and touched
many lives with her presence. Her family and friends will always be thankful to God for the GIFT that was
HER LIFE. Surrounded by family and loved ones, Betty Berry passed away on Tuesday, February 21, 2017.
O� AW;� �nd A
Section I. On behalf of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, and as an elected Council
Member At Large of the South Bend Common Council, I am pleased to publicly honor the life of Betty Jean
(Austin) Berry.
Section II. Betty leaves behind a rich harvest of memories to cherish,honor,and emulate for survivors:
son, Barrett (Rachel) Berry; sister, Debra (Richard) Jennings; brother, William "Bill" (Jan) Austin; brother,
George "Geno" Austin; sister-in law Sunny Austin; sister-in-law Joyce Ross; brother-in-law, Percy Jones;
brother-in-law, Carl Taylor; god-daughter, Stephanie Owens; and a multitude of cousins, nieces, nephews,
other relatives; and a host of life-long friends who enjoyed in her life's journey until the end.
Karen L. White, Council Member At Large
The South Bend Common Council
South Bend, Indiana