Cleola Lee Berry

Her Life's Theme: Whatever YOUR LOT IN LIFE may be, BUILD SOMETHING ON IT Cleola Lee Oliver Berry, 100, was born October 17, 1920 in Brazoria, Texas. The family relocated to Houston, Texas when she was a young girl. Cleola graduated from Jack Yates High School in 1938 and received a scholarship to play basketball at Houston College for Negros (now Texas Southern University). After her first basketball season, female athletic scholarships were withdrawn from the school to support the men’s program. Not being able to afford college, she enrolled and graduated from Franklin School of Beauty Culture in 1941 and opened her salon in Houston. Cleola relocated to El Paso, Texas in 1943 as a Christian Businesswoman, Community Worker and Community Leader. She met a young trainman, Grant “Buddy” Berry during her trip to El Paso, a courtship evolved and they married in January 1944. Buddy, who was also a licensed Real Estate Brooker and Cleola, enjoyed life together and eagerly operated their businesses. In 1947, Cleola helped organize the El Paso Negro Business Association. As one of their first objectives, the group published the “1947 Negro Business Directory of El Paso.” Buddy and Cleola started their family in 1948. With Grant, Jr. (G Gee), Cleola (AeNee), Lloyd (Randy) and daughter, Emma (Big Sis). They were members of Shiloh Baptist Church. During her 78 years at Shiloh, Sister Berry sang in the Sanctuary Choir, Senior Saints Choir, and over the years, directed the Chorale Ensemble, Children, Youth and Young Adult Choirs. Always active, she was also a member of the Minister’s and Deacon’s Wives Ministry, and Women’s Auxiliaries within the church. Being always polite and pleasant, Mother Berry will be missed as she always came to church ‘Dressed to the Nines’ and wore her high heeled shoes until she took them off to enter Heaven. Amen. Cleola taught Cosmetology in the El Paso Public School District for seven years. In 1977, she opened Berry’s Hair Weev™ Institute and Beauty Salon where she introduced Hair Weaving ‘with machine’ to the El Paso Area. During her life, Cleola’s drive and determination was to serve the El Paso Community. Due to her efforts, she unselfishly became the first Black Person or Black Female to serve in many capacities. For those efforts Cleola received many honors, awards, and recognitions. Of those achievements, her most cherished were: • Receiving the “Greater Love Award” from Shiloh Baptist Church for her many years of positive contributions • Being recognized as Senior Family Jewel by the Berry Family Reunion • Breaking the El Paso School Districts school segregation barriers. • Being awarded the TEXAS LIFE MEMBERSHIP by the El Paso City Council of the Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers Association, for Outstanding Service • Being elected as year 2000 Chairman/Director, Women’s Department Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce • Her induction into the El Paso Commission for Women Hall of fame • Being a charter member of ZETA Amicae Auxiliary of El Paso • Being first Black President of the El Paso Affiliate of the Texas Hairdressers and Cosmetologist Association • Her Masonic Affiliations and Offices/Positions held • Serving on the Board of Directors, Women’s Auxiliary of the University of Texas at El Paso • Serving on the Executive Board of , Women’s Department, Goodwill Industries of El Paso • Becoming a National Member of the American Businesswomen Association • Being blessed to celebrate her 100th Birthday with family and friends. • Joining her Father, Mother, Sisters, Daughter, and every soul already enjoying Heaven’s Freedom Cleola is survived by her children Grant, Cleola (Charles), Lloyd (Otisha) and their families, 17 Great Grand and 20 Great-Great Grandchildren, five nieces, 2 nephews, extended family, numerous associates, many friends, and a loving church family. Cleola TOOK HER LOT IN LIFE and BUILT A LEGACY of selflessness.