Mary Elizabeth Berry

Mary Elizabeth Berry, 74, died Friday, November 2, 2012. Known as Mary Beth to friends and family, she was predeceased by her Father Thomas Vaughan Heath and Stepmother Beverly June Heath.
Mary Beth is survived by her husband, James N. Berry of Oriental; Sister Judith Skrbina of Collbran, Colorado, daughters Allison Berry of Greensboro, NC; Kathleen (Berry) Prokesch and husband William of Sayville, New York as well as her grandchildren Emma and William also of Sayville.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Mary Beth graduated from Webster Groves High School and earned an Associates Degree from the University of Missouri. She began her career as secretary to the District Director of Johns Manville in Clayton, Missouri. After her marriage, she worked as the Secretary to the Executive Officer of the Seabee Center in Port Hueneme, California. After raising her children, she returned to the workforce as a teacher’s aide in Smithtown, NY. Subsequently, she served as secretary to the Undercover Narcotics Bureau of the Suffolk County Police Department and retired from the District Attorney’s Office of Suffolk County.
Mary Beth’s greatest joy in life was her family which was enriched by an incredible circle of friends. She served as pledge treasurer, choir member and altar guild directress at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Oriental, NC. She also served on the vestry and altar guild at St. James Episcopal Church, St. James, NY. She was a member of the Pamlico Chorale and Volunteer at Hope Clinic of Pamlico County.
In place of a visitation or wake, a vigil is planned for family and friends on Friday, November 9th at 7pm at St. Thomas Episcopal Church Parish Hall. The funeral and interment of ashes will take place Saturday, November 10th at 3:00 pm.
We will miss our wife, mother, friend and confidant. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mary Beth’s memorial fund at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 461, Oriental, NC 28571.