Ada L. "Gussie" Berry

WASHINGTON – Ada L. “Gussie” Berry, 86, of Washington, IL, died at 11:03 pm Monday, April 25, 2011 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. Born on February 19, 1925 in Double Springs, AL to Sidney R. and Effie A. Bennett Williams, she married Steve C. Berry Sr. on August 23, 1941. He preceded her in death on May 12, 2005 in Eureka, IL. Surviving are 3 children, Janice (Don) Sherbert of Urbana, IL, and Steve (Tonya) Berry Jr. and Anthony (Melody) Berry, both of Washington, IL, 1 sister, Ruth Lee of Chickasaw, AL, 1 brother, Jesse (Bobbie) Williams of Birmingham, AL, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 daughter, Una Shelby, 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and 1 great-granddaughter, Hadley Tidwell. Gussie was a beloved member of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington, IL, where she was active in the Alpha Class, Bible Study and mentoring program. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother to her family, and “Grandma Gussie” to others who “adopted” her and whom she “adopted” as her own. She treasured her almost 64 years of marriage and the many countless hours spent ballroom dancing with her beloved husband. Gussie recently celebrated 40 years with Mary Kay Cosmetics. She was the first Independent Sales Director in central Illinois, and earned numerous awards over the years, including Queen of Sales (#1 in the country) in 1984. She knew Mary Kay Ash personally and passed along her legacy of perfection. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met and touched their life with joy and inspiration. She will be missed. Services will be at 4 pm Saturday, April 30, 2011 at Crossroads United Methodist Church in Washington. Pastor Tom Goodell will officiate. Visitation will be from 1-4 pm at the church on Saturday. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. An additional funeral service will be at 11 am Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home 1200 Birmington Ave. Jasper, AL 35501. Pastor Bob DeBolt will officiate. A visitation will begin at 10 am Tuesday at the funeral home in Jasper. Burial will follow in Bennett Cemetery in Jasper, AL.

Ada L. "Gussie" Berry

February 19, 1925 - April 25, 2011