Jewelene Berry

Jewelene “Jewel” Berry was born on July 22, 1939, in Lincoln County, Mississippi. She was the twelfth and final child born to the loving union of John and Lena Wise-Watkins.

Early Life and Faith

Jewel received her primary education in Mississippi and later attended Eve Harris High School in Brookhaven. As an adolescent, she accepted Christ and joined Chisholm Mission Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained an active and dedicated member for many years.

Life in Chicago and Career

In 1964, Jewel relocated to Chicago, Illinois, where she met and married the love of her life, Charles Berry. Jewel was a proud and devoted stepmother to her stepson, Sergio. Together, Jewel and Charles also welcomed their godson, Eric, into their home.

Jewel was a dedicated employee at the Fannie Mae Candy Company, where she enjoyed her work for 34 years until her well-earned retirement.

Family and Legacy

Jewel deeply loved her family and looked forward to their annual reunions, traveling between Chicago and Mississippi each year with overwhelming excitement. More than an aunt, she maintained a special, motherly bond with her nieces Barbara and Kawanna Tobias. Following the loss of her husband Charles, she was continuously supported by the steadfast presence of Sergio, Eric, Ann, and Kawanna.

As the last of her tribe, Jewel passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, has been reunited in eternity with her parents and her eleven siblings who preceded her in death: Eula Mae, Mattie, Leroy, Johnny, Elizabeth, Willie C, Solomon, Monroe, Doris, Joe Louis, and Hollis.

She leaves to cherish her loving memories two devoted nieces, Barbara and Kawanna Tobias; her nephew, Jaylen Tobias; her stepson, Sergio Seamster; her godson, Eric Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and lifelong friends.