John H. Berry

John Berry Obituary Obituary John H. Berry was born on June 9, 1942, to proud parents Oscar Lewis and Willie Dell Berry (Long) in Birmingham, Alabama. John accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and enjoyed many Sunday services with his beloved grandmother, Mary Long, in Birmingham. In the early 1950s, the family moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he was enrolled in Cleveland Public Schools and it was at this time he met his lifelong friend, James Hardiman. John was a proud graduate of John Hay High School. After graduation, he was employed at US Steel for three years. At this time, he would meet the love of his life, Beverly, who he would be united in marriage for 56 years. He was gainfully employed at RTA until retirement. During his tenure, he was elected as President of Local ATU #268. After his retirement, he established his own general contracting business, J.A.A. Interior & Commercial Construction, where he worked diligently with retail/restaurant owners, churches and community organizations to ensure that their visions were brought to life. John was immensely loved and respected by his family and friends. He was often referred to using his full name, “John Berry” and affectionately known as JB. John Berry was a born leader and the patriarch of the family. John Berry’s strong determination, love and commitment to his family fueled him to fulfill his dreams and those of his family while supporting and making sacrifices, he was unwavered by the challenges. John always extended his gift of time to friends and neighbors by sharing his life experiences. His family enjoyed and will always remember the many colorful sayings that he would often express I.e., “Don’t help me, help the bear.” John Berry was a good man and genuinely appreciated his life, family, and most importantly being married to the love of his life, Beverly. Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife Beverly (Jones), his son John H. Berry Jr., and daughters Angelique Shields (Barry), Camille Maxwell, Michelle Berry, and Nicole Brooks. Grandchildren Jeffrey L. Maxwell II, Alexandria Maxwell, Aaron Shields, Adrian Shields, Amari Robinson, and Addison Mason. Great grandchildren Azai Shields and Cataleya Shields, siblings Gwendolyn Bryant and Marietta Berry- Goodman and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. John was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Lewis Sr. And Willie Dell Berry, his brothers Oscar Berry Jr (Peter), and Robert Berry, and his sister Jaqueline Spicer To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John H. Berry, please visit our floral store. Read More

John H. Berry

June 9, 1942 - December 27, 2023