John Clarke Berry

b. 23 April 1900, d. 5 August 1986
  • John Clarke Berry was born on 23 April 1900 in Virginia.
  • James Micajah Berry and Emeline L. Campbell appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1900 in Bedford, Virginia, at Bedford Avenue. Other members of the household included John Clarke Berry, Abbie Howe Berry, James Micajah Berry, Thomas D. Berry, Eloise Douglas Berry and Mary Annis Berry.
  • The following appeared on 30 January 1908 in The Times-Dispatch: (Bedford City, Jan. 29) The funeral services of Mrs. Em. Campbell Berry took place this morning from the home of her husband, Mr. James M. Berry, on Bedford Avenue, conducted by Rev. Dallas Tucker, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, of which she was a devoted and valued member, being also a most efficient and useful member of the Woman's Auxiliary Missionary Society and Guild of the church. There was a large assemblage of relatives and friends to testify to their love and admiration.
         Mrs. Berry was a native of Galveston, Tex., whence about fifteen years ago she came as the bride of Mr. James M. Berry, and by her attractive person, rare intelligence, culture and loveliness of character soon won her way to the hearts of all those with whom she came in contact. She is survived by her husband and six children, who are Ellaoise, Mary, Clark, Edmonia, Nellie and Georgia, the two last twin infants, only ten weeks old. Scarce less devoted to her are the children of Mr. Berry's first marriage, who are Mrs. George Miles, Jr., James and Tom Berry.
  • The following appeared on 13 May 1909 in The Times-Dispatch: (Bedford City, May 12) James M. Berry died this afternoon after an illness of many months, aged forty-eight years. He was engaged in the tobacco business until ill health compelled his retiring. He is survived by the following children: Mrs. George Miles, Jr., J. M. Berry, Jr., Thomas D. Berry, Eloise, Mary, Clark and Edmonia Betty; a sister, Mrs. J. F. Spencer, of Brookneal; two brothers, T. D. and W. W. Berry. He was a nephew of B. H. Berry, Miss Ophelia and Mrs. James Poindexter, of Richmond.
  • John Clarke Berry registered for the draft on 12 September 1918 in Bedford County, Virginia, while living at 729 Longwood Avenue, Bedford, nearest relative W. W. Berry, and attending Roanoke College, Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia.
  • He served in the military during World War I, according to the 1930 census.
  • William Wallace Berry Jr. and Gladys Mary Kelsey appeared in the US federal census of 1 January 1920 in Bedford, Virginia, at Longwood Avenue. Other members of the household included John Clarke Berry, Gladys M. Berry. Also in the household was one female domestic servant.
  • He was employed as a bookkeeper by a construction company, according to the 1920 census.
  • Charles Kleber Lee and Lucie Frances Campbell appeared in the US federal census of 1 April 1930 in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, at 1404 South Adams. Other members of the household included John Clarke Berry, Mary Annis Berry and Lucie Lee Gregg.
  • He was manager of a garage, according to the 1930 census.
  • John Clarke Berry appeared in the US federal census of 1 April 1940 in Mobile, Alabama, at Dauphin Street lodging in the household of widow Molly Payne. According to that census, he also was living in Mobile in 1935.
  • He was employed by Federal Barge Lines in the clerical department, according to the 1940 census.
  • He married Margaret Elizabeth Webb.
  • The following appeared on 20 June 1955 in The Progress-Index: Mrs. Gladys Mary Kelsey Berry, wife of the late William Wallace Berry, Sr. of Bedford, died yesterday afternoon at 6:10 o'clock in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Howell F. Cooper, 114 S. Market St., after a brief illness.
         Mrs. Berry was a native and lifelong resident of Bedford, and a daughter of the late Oswald Walter and Roalie Blanche Bell Berry. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Howell F. Cooper of this city, one son, William Wallace Berry of Bedford, one foster son, John Clarke Berry of New Orleans La., two grandsons, Randall Taylor Elliott of Cleveland O., and William Wallace Berry Jr. of Bedford, two grand daughters, Elizabeth Langhorne Berry and Ann Frewen Berry, both of Bedford.
         Funeral services will be conducted tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock in St. Johns Episcopal Church, Bedford. The Rev. William C. Marshall, a former rector of St. Johns Episcopal Church and the Rev. Mr. Beale, rector will officiate. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Bedford.
  • John Clarke Berry became a widower at the 17 May 1973 death of his wife Margaret Elizabeth Webb.
  • The following appeared on 18 May 1973 in The Times-Picayune: Mrs. John Clarke Berry, mother of radio personality Keith Rush, died at 6 p.m. Thursday. She was 63.
         Funeral services will be held at Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church, 2929 St. Charles Ave., on Saturday at 3 p.m.
         Funeral arrangements will be handled by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, 4117 South Claiborne Ave.
         Mrs. Berry was born in Mobile, Ala., and moved to New Orleans with her family in 1941. She lived in New Orleans since then.
         She was a member of the Christ Cathedral Episcopal Church, the Altar Guild, the PTA, the Red Cross and the heart and cancer fund drives.
         Mrs. Berry is survived by her husband, John Clarke Berry; one daughter, Mrs. Margaret Kissel; two sons, Robert Rush and Keith Rush; and eight grandchildren.
  • He married Marian (?)
  • The SSDI lists Metairie, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, as the last residence of record of John Clarke Berry.
  • John Clarke Berry died on 5 August 1986 at age 86.
  • His wife Marian (?) became a widow at his death.
  • The following appeared on 6 August 1986 in The Times-Picayune: John Clarke Berry, retired vice president and director of Canal Barge Co., died Tuesday in his home after a long illness. He was 86. Mr. Berry was a native of Bedford, Va., and a resident of New Orleans for 46 years. He graduated from Roanoke College in Virginia and attended the University of Virginia Medical School. He was a former president, vice president and director of the Propeller Club of New Orleans. He was a charter member of the Traffic Club of Baton Rouge and a member of the Traffic Club of New Orleans and the Newcomen Society. He was a charter member of the Louisiana Maritime Museum and an honorary member of the Petroleum Club and the World Trade Center. Survivors include his wife, Marian A. Berry; a stepdaughter, Margaret Rush Lyttle; two stepsons, Robert K. and Keith W. Rush; and a sister, Nique Weber of Bedford. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp Funeral Home, 4127 S. Claiborne Ave. Burial will be in Garden of Memories Cemetery.
  • Last Edited: 13 Dec 2012

Family 1: Margaret Elizabeth Webb b. 26 August 1909, d. 17 May 1973

Family 2: Marian (?)