Lola Wilson Durr-Berry

Death is not a tragedy for those who have faith and believe, for they are passing from a world filled with struggles and disappointments, to one which is far better. Our dear mother, Lola Wilson Durr-Berry, was born January 6, 1926, in New Hebron, Mississippi. She entered into her eternal rest on Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at Bedford Nursing Home in Mendenhall, Mississippi.

She was the lovely daughter of the late Roberta Wilson and Charlie Walker. Our mother was a God-fearing woman; her mission in life was to be used in service an essential gift that she shared with everyone. She was a faithful member of St. Peter M.B. Church before moving to Mendenhall, Mississippi. After moving to Mendenhall, she also served faithfully at Nazareth M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Clarence Phillips. She later reunited with her home church, St. Peter M.B. Church where she served on the usher board and was a member of the adult choir.

She was united in marriage to Clarence Durr on July 30, 1942 and to this union, thirteen (13) children were born. After the passing of her beloved husband, she later married Oscar Berry. For many years, she was a devoted mother and housewife until her children were older. She later sought employment at Universal Manufacturing Plant for a number of years. After retiring, she was encouraged to work at Voice of Calvary—Mendenhall Ministries nurturing the children. After retiring for the second time, she spent her time visiting the sick, witnessing to the lost, feeding the hungry and sharing her infectious smile. She also found joy in gardening and working her flower beds. She was a pillar and cornerstone for the community. In Simpson and surrounding communities, she was affectionately known as Big Mama and a mother to all.

Cherishing her loving memories: one (1) sister, Katherine Barner, Riverdale, Georgia; ten (10) children, Clara Dampier, Braxton, Mississippi, Carol Phillips, Crockett, Texas, Patricia Posey, Nita (Curtis) Skiffer, Mendenhall, Mississippi, Mary (James) Hardy, Lexington, Kentucky, Gleen (Alyce) Durr, Charles Durr, James (Charlene) Durr, Rickey Durr, and Maurice (Margie) Durr, all of Mendenhall, Mississippi; two (2) granddaughters that she nurtured, Barbara Berry (Jerome Berry) and Bobbie (Billy) Craft of Mendenhall, Mississippi; along with the other 33 grandchildren; 101 great-grandchildren; 53 great-great grandchildren; two (2) great-great-great grandchildren; one (1) sister-in-law, Mozella Berry Walker, Mendenhall, Mississippi; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Clarence Durr and Oscar Berry; her mother, Roberta Wilson-Shanks; father, Charlie Walker; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lizzie and Ed Durr; two (2) brothers, Ardell Wilson and Kelly Wood; two (2) sisters, Mary Hayes and Juanita Gibson; two grandchildren, Charles Hubbard and Kayla Polk; one (1) son-in-law, Willie Posey; other brothers and sisters-in-law and family relatives.