Elaine Churchill Berry

Ola Elaine Berry of Dover died at home Feb. 7, 2012 with her loved ones at her side. She was born at Hector, AR, on May 24, 1923. She was the widow of Jack Ellis Berry, the daughter of the late L.J. and Audra Churchill of Dover, and was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Janea "Polly" Massey and by her brother, Eunice Vance "Buck" Churchill. Elaine was the loved and treasured mother of Pamela Ann Berry Chastain and Stanley Jack Berry.

After graduating from Dover High School, she entered Arkansas Polytechnic College, majoring in Home Economics. Upon graduation, she taught second grade for five years, then became the substitute teacher for Dover Public Schools for many years. Elaine worked as a sales clerk, first in the L.J. Churchill General Store, then at The New Store, and for 26 years at the Colony Shop until her retirement at the age of 80. In addition, Elaine was a faithful member of the Dover Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where she taught a children's Sunday school class for many years.

Though Elaine devoted many hours to work, church, and community activities, she always found abundant time for her family. Her selfless devotion to her children and their families, and to caring for her parents for many years was a hallmark of the generosity of her nature. She always put her family before herself, and until her death graciously opened her home to her immediate and extended family for gatherings. Family was of paramount importance to Elaine, and she showed it through her loving hospitality.

Known to her grandchildren as "Grandmama Elaine" and "Berry", Elaine always greeted her children and grandchildren with, "Hi, Babe", and a smile. Upon leaving, they received the red-lipsticked "Berry Kiss" planted on their cheeks and a big hug.

Elaine was known for her beauty, inside and out, and for her sweet, joyful spirit, which people immediately recognized upon meeting her. Only 51 when she lost her beloved husband, Jack, she was a courageous woman who exemplified the word "lady". She faced life's challenges with a calm dignity, always pleasant with an ever optimistic outlook. She was a wonderful example of how to live a life.

Survivors are her daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Ronald Chastain of Conway, and her son and daughter-in-law, Stan and Mona Berry of Dover. Grandchildren are Lana Chastain of Conway, Lance Chastain (Stormey) of Jonesboro, Blake Berry (Alisa) of Ft. Smith, Casey Taylor (Jim), of Russellville, Kelsey Scott (Mark) of Bentonville, and Justin Singleton (Melissa) of Dover. Great-grandchildren are Jack and Sawyer Chastain, Asher and Bennett Berry, Hagen Taylor, and Anna Elaine and Emily Scott. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, Bill Berry and wife Lorraine of Dardanelle, and her sister-in-law, Joyce Churchill of Dover.

Funeral will be at Dover Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 10 A.M Friday, Feb.10 under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be at Humphrey Funeral Chapel from 6 to 8 P.M Thursday, Feb. 9. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Park, Hwy. 7 T, in Russellville. Pallbearers will be Blake Berry, Lance Chastain,Justin Singleton, Ronald Chastain, Mark Scott,and Jim Taylor. Memorials may be made to Dover Cumberland Presbyterian Church, P.O. box 83, Dover, AR 72837. Internet obituary and online guestbook are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.

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