Jessie Mae Berry

Jessie Mae Berry passed peacefully at home surround by her loved ones on Friday, October 16, 2026. She was surrounded by the love and warmth of her home in Starke, Florida, having bravely battled breast cancer. She was born on June 2, 1936, in Enigma, Georgia. Jessie Mae Berry was the cherished daughter of the late Jessie Sewell and Mary Anderson Sewell. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Willie Green, her sisters Maltie (Babe) Covington, Josephine French, and Jennie Sewell, her beloved husband Hubert Berry, and her dear daughter Janice Berry. Her legacy continues through her surviving children: James Sewell, Edmond Sewell (Shirley) of Starke, Florida, Don Sewell (Cheryl) of Atlanta, Georgia, Wayne Berry (Cynthia), Mary Berry both of Starke, Florida, Hubert Berry (Mia) of Atlanta, Georgia, Queenie Berry (Marla) of Gainesville, Florida, and Stephen Berry of Atlanta, Georgia. Jessie was the proud grandmother of 17 grandchildren and the adored great-grandmother of 32 great-grandchildren, and 8 beloved great -great grandchildren. She also leave a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Special thanks to her adopted Christian daughters Minister Carolyn Spooner Brown and Janice Mortimer for all the love and support shown to her over the years. Jessie's life was a testament to love and dedication. She married Hubert Berry on July 6, 1965, in Starke, Florida. Together, they raised eight children of their own and two nephews, nurturing a home full of love, laughter, and warmth until Hubert's passing. Education was a part of Jessie's early life, and she attended RJE High School in Starke, completing her junior year. Her career was diverse and filled with passion. Jessie worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant for nine years in a nursing home in Starke before discovering her true calling in the culinary arts. She delighted patrons with her soulful cooking at the Garden Restaurant for many years and later at an Assisted Living facility in Keystone Heights. With her dream realized, she opened "Jessie’s Place," a beloved restaurant where her delicious meals became a staple in the community. Even after closing her restaurant, Jessie continued to share her gift by cooking at home until an unfortunate accident forced her into retirement. Jessie's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted and lifelong member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, joining the ministry in 1960. Her love for gospel music was profound, and she was a founding member of the Renowned Bradford Gospel Ensemble, where she sang joyfully for 44 years. Even as her health declined, she continued to support the choir, her spirit and voice ever-present. Beyond her culinary talents and musical gifts, Jessie was celebrated for her kindness and her readiness to help anyone in need. Her home was a haven of warmth and hospitality, where friends and family gathered to enjoy her company and her delectable meals. Jessie’s joy extended to attending gospel singing services, never missing an opportunity to experience "a good singing" from Gainesville to Jacksonville and surrounding areas. The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to all who have shared in Jessie’s life and supported them in this time of mourning. May her spirit live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.