Marie Varner Berry (1910-2007)Send Condolences to the Berry Family
Marie Varner Berry (1910-2007)
Marie Varner Berry, 97 of Bridgeport passed away late Monday evening, July 23, 2007 at United Hospital Center in Clarksburg. Born July 10, 1910 in Clarksburg, she was the first born of a set of twins to the late Dr. Harvey V. and Maude Morrison Varner.
Mrs. Berry was a lifetime resident of Harrison County, as were her parents. Her father graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 1905 and was a pioneer in the medical field in the development and use of vaccines. Her mothers’ family came to Harrison County via a wagon and oxen in 1828 and established a large farm on Crooked Run.
Her husband of 62 years, Luther S. “Doc” Berry of Flatwoods, preceded her in death in 1995. Mr. Berry was the former President of The Union National Bank of Clarksburg.
Her elder sister Helen Vanderbilt Frye, the former Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr, and later Mrs. Jack Frye, founder of TWA Airlines, preceded her in death in 1979.
Marie is survived by her twin sister, Mildred Varner Reynolds, 7 nieces, 1 nephew, 6 great-nieces, and 8 great-nephews; her long-time friends and companions Terry Lamm and Charly Wallace, and her loving caregiver Mary Gully. Mrs. Berry had no children of her own.
Marie was a 1928 graduate of Washington - Irving High School. Although she did not complete a College education she was a firm believer in education and provided funds to her nieces and nephews for their education and established educational trust funds for her great-great nieces and nephews. She also provided funds and paid tuition for a number of local students to attend University or Technical Schools of their choice.
She was a dedicated member and financial supporter of the Bridgeport United Methodist Church. One of her great passions in life was the welfare and care of animals – and, to that end, played an instrumental part in the formation and financial support of the Harrison County Humane Society and remained a great contributor to its causes throughout her life. She also supported and believed in the work and efforts of Greenpeace, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and the Clarksburg Mission. She devotedly believed in the tithing of at least 10% of one’s income to charity as it was the duty and responsibility of all individuals to aid and care for one another and to serve as a steward of this world. She truly exemplified her beliefs and was one of the most kind, caring, and compassionate of individuals. She was a joy to be with, possessing a character and personality that were captivating. She always had a story to tell that left you laughing, full of hope, and optimism.
Per Marie’s request there will be no funeral; her statement was: “If they want to come see me – they can do it when I’m alive, and not come and gawk at me when I’m dead.” Her wishes for cremation have been honored and inurnment will take place in the Bridgeport Cemetery, next to her beloved husband. Her family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Clarksburg Mission or the Harrison County Humane Society in her memory and honor.
Online condolences for may be left at burnsidefh@burnsidefuneralhome.com, or, sent in care of Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Ave., Bridgeport, WV 26330.
Mrs. Berry had pre-planned and entrusted her funeral arrangements to the care of Burnside Funeral Home, 607 S. Virginia Ave., Bridgeport, WV 26330.