Ruby Jean Berry, 84
March 4, 1941 – September 11, 2025
Ruby Jean Cooperwood Berry, a cherished matriarch and beacon of love and faith, passed away at her residence in Pontotoc, MS, on September 11, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on March 4, 1941, in Pontotoc, MS, Ruby’s journey began as the daughter of the late Henry Cooperwood and Rilla Ivy Cooperwood. She was a sister to many, and was the treasured matriarch of a large and loving family.
Ruby’s heart was ever-expanding, and she found her greatest joy in her role as a wife and mother. She was the beloved wife of the late Willie Leroy Berry, Sr., and the devoted mother to Bobby Jean Berry, Shirley A. King, and the late Willie Leroy Berry, Jr. Her legacy continued through her adored grandchildren, Santana Berry, Zachary King, and Malik King. Each of them was a shining example of her nurturing love and unwavering support.
Throughout her life, Ruby dedicated herself to the service of her family as a homemaker, a role she performed with grace and excellence. She was a member of New Salem M.B. Church in Pontotoc, MS and was a woman of prayer that allowed her Christian faith to guide her through life’s challenges and triumphs.
She found pleasure in canning the fruits of the earth, working on puzzle books that sharpened her mind, and unwinding with the captivating stories of her favorite soap operas. These activities were more than hobbies; they were the threads that wove the tapestry of her daily life and brought her great satisfaction. Ruby’s life was a beautiful reflection of the virtues she held dear. Her memory will continue to inspire those she has left behind, and her legacy will endure in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come.
She was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Rilla Cooperwood; her husband, Willie Leroy Berry, Sr.; her siblings, Victoria Heard, James Cooperwood, Sarah Townsend, Modine Townsend, William L. Cooperwood, Booker T. Cooperwood, and Earlie “Bo” King.
Ruby leaves to cherish her loving memory, her children, Bobby Jean Berry and Shirley A. King (Jimmy) both of Pontotoc, MS; her grandchildren, Santana Berry of Houlka, MS, Zachary King of Pontotoc, MS, and Malik King of Pontotoc, MS; her brother, Elder Ozzie Cooperwood (Ruby) of Chicago, IL; her sister, Annie Ware of Pontotoc, MS; a special son, Chris “Babe” Berry; a special niece, Sylvia Berry; her sister-in-laws, Viola Cooperwood, Kaye Berry, Gloria Berry, Lois Hurd, and her brother-in-laws, Mack Berry (Lula), Frank Berry (Valerie), Mitch Berry (Tawanna), and Charles Berry (Evette).
Graveside service will be Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Mt. Nebo Church Cemetery, 1221 Campground Road, Pontotoc, MS. There will be no viewing.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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