Richard Dupont Berry, Sr.

"He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people we will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken."
Isaiah 25:8

Richard “Dupont” Berry, was born on May 19, 1943, to the late Clifton and Nellie Stewart Berry. On Friday, October 26, 2018, Richard departed this life at home and peacefully entered into eternal rest.

Richard accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and joined First Mount Olive Baptist Church in Newtown, Virginia. Richard transferred his membership to Jerusalem Baptist Church, Bowling Green, Virginia, after joining Virginia "Jenny" Fortune in holy matrimony on June 25, 1966. Of this union, there were two children born.

Richard was an active and dedicated member at Jerusalem. Richard sang on the Men’s Choir from the time he became a member at Jerusalem; he loved to hear good gospel singing. He also was an active Sunday School member. Richard loved his church family, and more importantly, loved to serve his Almighty God! Richard was a quiet man with a big heart!

Richard was educated in the King and Queen County Public Schools. Richard was employed, and retired from Westvaco after 30 years of employment. After retirement, to keep busy, Richard sought part-time employment with Bowling Green Health and Rehab Center, and then with Caroline County Public Schools. Richard would help the elderly in the community by picking up their trash on Saturday mornings that were unable to take their own until the failing of his health.

Richard was preceded in death by his brothers' Donald Eugene Berry and Raymond C. Berry, known as "Sonny Boy."

Richard leaves to cherish fond memories; his devoted and loving wife of 52 years, Virginia Berry; one son, Richard Dupont Berry Jr. (Maria) of Newtown, Virginia; one daughter, Leslie R. Freeman (Kevin) of Ruther Glen, Virginia; four sisters, Mary Deyo of Newtown, Virginia, Daisy Deyo of Woodbridge, Virginia, Priscilla Ann Coleman of Washington, D.C., and Marian Estelle Berry of Woodbridge; two brothers, Elvin Berry (Iva) of Bowling Green, Virginia, and James Berry (Wynette) of Jacksonville, North Carolina; three aunts, Elizabeth and Leverta Stewart of Tappahannock, Virginia and Odell Martin of Richmond, Virginia; one brother-in-law, Berkley Fortune of Newtown, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Mary Williams (John) of Bowling Green, Virginia, and Theola Fortune of Milford, Virginia; two grandchildren, April R. Berry of Providence, Rhode Island, and Kameron E. Freeman of Ruther Glen, Virginia. Also, Richard was a grandfather figure for Rishyne Gaines, Christopher Dyson, Patricia Dyson, and Denise Dyson. He leaves to cherish a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family, and friends.

Richard will be greatly missed; his memory will live on forever.