Carole Berry, 87, passed away on November 1st, 2026. Born in Linden, Tennessee, Carole lived a life marked by faith, resilience, musical talent, civic involvement, and an unwavering devotion to her family. Having overcome both polio and meningitis as a child, she carried strength and determination throughout her life that would become the foundation of her character.

Carole graduated from Wayne County High School and later attended Freed-Hardeman University in Henderson, Tennessee, where she met Norman Berry, her best friend and husband of 67 years. The two were married on August 1st, 1958, at the Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, love, and service.

A gifted musician, Carole had an extraordinary ability to play nearly anything by ear. She shared her musical gifts as a piano teacher for many years at Mars Hill Bible School in Florence, Alabama, as well as from her homes in Killen, Alabama, and Georgetown, Kentucky. Her love of music extended beyond teaching, and she co-wrote a song that was recorded by Jackie Burgess. In the months preceding her death despite the physical ailments she was facing she returned to the piano and found peace there.

Carole was also active in civic and political affairs. During the 1970s, she was an involved member of Eagle Forum, a conservative advocacy organization, reflecting her interest in the political and cultural issues of the day. She was never one to simply sit on the sidelines when she felt strongly about something. Her determination and initiative were also evident in her efforts to launch a movement to have Elvis Presley inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Throughout her life, Carole was deeply involved in the church, participating -in numerous ladies’ groups and church organizations. She was a devoted supporter of Norman’s ministry as a preacher and faithfully served alongside him, offering encouragement and support throughout their many years together. Her faith was not simply something she professed, but something she demonstrated through the way she cared for and served others.

While Carole’s accomplishments in music, education, and community involvement were many, her greatest pride and joy were always her family. Some of the family’s most treasured memories were made around her kitchen table. She delighted in teaching her grandchildren to make homemade biscuits and preparing her famous chicken stew on Saturdays when the family gathered to watch football. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and togetherness, and she expressed her love in the most meaningful way she knew how: by feeding, serving, and caring for the people she loved.

To the youngest members of the family, she was affectionately known as “Grandmama Sugars,” a fitting name for a grandmother who could never resist scooping up a little one and covering their face with kisses. She loved having her family gathered around her and made sure each person knew they were loved completely. Her home, her cooking, her music, and her embrace were all expressions of love that will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Carole’s legacy is one of faith, perseverance, conviction, music, and unconditional love. Though her family will miss her dearly, they will carry her with them in the kisses and hugs she gave; the recipes she passed down, the lessons she taught, and the countless ways she made each of them feel loved. Her greatest life’s work was not found in any title or accomplishment, but in the family, she cherished and the generations she touched.

Carole is survived by her sons: Jacob (Bridget), Jeffery, and Jonathan Berry (Marni); grandchildren: Joey, Kory (Carolyn), Hannah-Claire (Mike), Noah (Macey), and Mattie Berry (Thony); and great-grandchildren: Victor, Ally, Cara, Bryn, Troy, Wallace, Major and Orion Berry.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lexie Kirk; mother, Clara Kirk, and sister Connie Crews.

The visitation will be Friday, November 6, 2026, from 2-3 pm at Killen Church of Christ with the service following at 3 pm. The burial will be at the Stoney Point Church of Christ cemetery.