Dorothy Elizabeth Byrd Berry, known to many as Dottie or “Dot Dot,” passed away on July 10 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Mrs. Berry was preceded in death by her husband of over 60 years, Kenneth L. Berry, parents Bill and LaVada Byrd, brother Bobby Byrd, in-laws C.K. and Madge Berry, and brother-in-law Charles Berry. She is survived by two sons, Michael Berry (Audrey) and Tony Berry (Karla); grandchildren, Chelsea and Brennan Berry, Anthony Berry (Shelby), and Alex Cash (Ben); great-grandchildren, Sawyer and Mateson Berry and Maddux Cash; brother William Byrd (Susan); and beloved dog, Millie.
Mrs. Berry was born on Aug. 15, 1942, and raised in Chattanooga. She moved to Maryville to attend Maryville College, where she met her husband and many lifelong friends.
Mrs. Berry and her husband owned a local restaurant and she later worked as a manager and area supervisor for Krystal hamburgers for more than 30 years. She had a magnetic personality that was gracious and welcoming to all. She was a “social hummingbird” who loved engaging with all people. It fueled her soul. Her positive energy and bright smile were known by anyone she encountered through work, church, or her daily adventures.
Her love of travel was evident throughout her life as she traveled with family and friends, always meeting new people along her path. She was considered a great friend to everyone she knew and encountered. She was quickly known and loved by the nurses, doctors, and fellow patients she encountered these last few months as “Dot Dot.”
Most importantly was her life-long, wholehearted love for her family. Her legacy of love for all, her infectious smile, and her encouraging spirit will never fade.
A funeral Mass for Mrs. Berry was held on July 19 at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Alcoa, with Father Peter Iorio, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima, serving as the celebrant and Father Renzo Alvarado Suarez, Our Lady of Fatima associate pastor, concelebrating the Mass.
Donations in Mrs. Berry’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.