Annie W. Berry

Annie's Life Story

The Life of Annie W. Berry began in Brunswick County, Virginia. On August 13, 1937, she was the first born child of Robert and Henrietta Walker, who both preceded her in death. She grew up and was educated in the Virginia public school system, graduating from James Solomon Russell High School. After graduation, she left Virginia to begin her adult life in Paterson, New Jersey. While in Paterson, she was employed by Nabisco.

She eventually relocated to Macon, GA. Annie never backed down from a challenge and never met a stranger. She was able to hold a conversation with people from all walks of life. She loved to talk and her warm spirit and infectious smile blessed everyone who knew her.  She was an avid reader and lifelong learner. At the age of 55 she enrolled in Crandall Junior College and earned an Associate's Degree in Mental Health & Substance Abuse. This achievement allowed her to walk in her calling and exercise her gift. Upon completion, she began a 15 year career at River Edge Behavioral Health, helping those struggling with mental illness.   As she continued to learn, she also embraced technology.  Annie mastered texting and was able to send photos, links, jokes and inspirational words to everyone she knew.  She attended computer classes offered by Manna of Hope Resource Center well into her 80s.  She often shared "golden nuggets" of wisdom and unique saying from her mother in efforts to keep the voice and memories of our ancestors alive. 

Annie loved the Lord and his people. At an early age, she received Christ at Bethany Baptist Church in Valentines, Virginia. Once settling in Macon, she united with the Macedonia Baptist Church and was an active member until her passing. At the Macedonia Church, she was a faithful member of the Missions Ministry and she especially loved teaching Sunday School where she served for nearly 30 years. Annie also volunteered in the church office and with AARP. Annie supported many charities including those for health research, children's hospitals and legal aid for those wrongfully accused in need of representation. In addition to helping people and working in the church, Annie's favorite past-time was gardening. She especially loved planting flowers and would oftentimes say how much she "enjoyed playing in God's dirt".  Annie enjoyed laughter and was an encourager to all. Her warm spirit will live on in the hearts of the lives she touched.

Left to carry her legacy and cherish her precious memories are her loving daughter Rhonda Rice, a devoted son-in-law Michael Rice, her heart's joy-granddaughter Mikayla Rice; her siblings Emma Woodley (Lee) of Baltimore, MD, Georgia Gillus of Bloomfield, CT and Robert Walker, Jr. (Mona) of Greensboro, NC, one aunt Nan Heggs of Roselle, New Jersey and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other beloved family and friends.

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