Velma Berry, 78
July 28, 1946 – April 28, 2025
Velma Berry, affectionately known by many as “Gramps,” departed this life unexpectedly at her home on Monday, April 28, 2025. Born on July 28, 1946, in Pontotoc, Mississippi, she was the beloved daughter of the late Lula Mae Bekham-Berry and Richard Berry.
From a young age, Velma accepted Christ and became a devoted, long-standing member of Mt. Nebo Methodist Church in Pontotoc, MS, where she faithfully served on the usher board. She received her education at Pontotoc Attendance Center and later embarked on a fulfilling career path that included employment at Marshall Durbin in Tupelo until its closure. She went on to dedicate over 30 years of service to the Daily Journal, where she eventually retired.
Gramps was a woman of many roles and unmatched spirit—her greatest joy came from gathering her loved ones and feeding them with the care and warmth only she could provide. Known for her one-of-a-kind personality, she loved her family deeply and in her own unique way. Her sharp wit and memorable phrase, “my tongue cuts like a knife,” will be etched in the hearts of all who knew her.
She leaves to cherish her memory: Her loving daughter Sylvia Berry of Verona, MS; Her grandchildren Vanessa Satterwhite (Sam) and Jarvis Rogers, both of Tupelo, MS; and a bonus granddaughter Ebony Stith of Georgia; Great-grandchildren: Tay Johnson, Jaylen Carruthers, Elizabeth Satterwhite, and Braylen Berry; Three sisters: Lois Hurd, Kaye Berry, and Gloria Berry, all of Pontotoc, MS; Four brothers: Walter Frank Berry (Valerie) of Birmingham, AL, Mack Berry (Lula) of Okolona, MS, Charles Berry (Evette) of Pontotoc, MS, and Mitch Berry (Tawana) of Plantersville, MS. She also leaves behind her best friend, Roy Barnett.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Richard Berry and Lula Mae Hatchett, brothers Alvis Berry, Leroy Berry, Willie Richard “Guinea” Berry, Charlie Edward Berry, sister Ella Townsend, and her cherished granddaughter Demetria Berry.
Visitation will be Friday, May 2, 2025, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at Payton Mortuary. Funeral service will be Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Mt. Nebo Methodist Church in Pontotoc, MS.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
Visitation
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Payton Mortuary
262 E Oxford St.
Pontotoc, MS 38863
Funeral Service
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Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church
1221 Campground Road
Pontotoc, MS 38863
