Charlotte Police Department's "Mama Berry"

Martha Berry
(July 4, 1920 - January 9, 2012)

Martha Armstrong Berry, known to her CMPD family as "Mama Berry" was 91 when she passed away Monday, January 9, 2012 with her family by her side.

Martha was born in Charlotte, NC July 4, 1920 to the late Joseph and Vernie Armstrong.

A service to celebrate the life of Martha Berry will be held 11:00 am Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Heritage Funeral Home, Indian Trail Chapel. Funeral Service will be held at Thursday, January 12, 2012 at Heritage Funeral Home, Indian Trail Chapel. Burial will follow the service at Forest Lawn West Cemetery on Freedom Drive.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, daughter and son in law Betty Ann and Larry Burkett; sisters Betty Hannah , Ruth Armstrong and brothers Joe, Sidney and Charles Armstrong.

Martha is survived by her children; Jim Berry and wife Amanda of Denver, NC, Raymond Berry and wife Judie of Charlotte, Joe Berry of Atlanta, GA, Sally Howie and husband Bill of Charlotte; eight grandchildren; Erica Pifer (Graham), Kim Drummond (Mark), Meredith Post (Russell), Chris Burkett, Jennifer Watson (Charles), Chip Berry (Molly), Allison George (Brad) and Kellie Bowers (Jay), 17 great grandchildren; a sister , Evelyn Mitchum and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martha worked for the Charlotte Police Department from 1959 - 1987. She served in many positions during her time at CPD but she was best known as being “Mama Berry” to many sworn and non sworn employees as she guided them through their careers through her knowledge of her work and her love for her CPD family. After retirement Martha worked in the CMPD gift shop for many years.

Martha was an active member of Idewild ARP Church until she moved to The Cove at Wilora Lake where she attended church there.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Cove at Wilora Lake and The Haven at Highland Creek for their excellent care the last few years.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions to be made to Alzheimer’s Association- Western Carolina Division, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215 On-line condolences may be left to http://www.blogger.com/www.heritagefuneral.net.

The Berry family is in the care of Heritage Funeral Home, Indian Trail Chapel.

Note to CMPD Officers from Martha's daughter Sally Howie:

My family and I would consider it a honor and privilege if anyone in our police family would like to be a pallbearer. The funeral is Thursday at 11:00 a.m. at the Heritage Funeral Home, Old Monroe Road, Indian Trail N.C. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn West Cemetery on Freedom Dr.

Email Cedar Posts for Sally's phone number if you can help with the service.