Sis. Debra Magee Berry was born Oct. 1, 1961, to the late James “Straight” and Leotha Smith Magee.

Sis. Debra Berry departed this life on July 15, 2019, at the Our Lady of the Angels Hospital in Bogalusa. Sis. Berry graduated from Carver High School in New Orleans. She surrendered her life to Christ at a young age at Rose Chapel Church in New Orleans. After moving back to Franklinton, she joined Union Chapel A.M.E. of Kentwood, under the leadership of Rev. Sherman Berry, where she remained until her death.

Sis. Berry was an employee of RestCare and Heritage Manor in Franklinton, and also Forest Manor of Covington, for a career sum total of 15 years of service, caring for others until her health failed. She was married to the late James Berry and also the late Alton Dawson. Though Sis. Berry was not a biological mother, she helped out in the community. She embraced Kentrall Pryor and Eric Magee as her sons. She was preceded in death by her brother, James Anthony Magee “Bo.”

She leaves to cherish her memories: a special friend, Joe Davis Jr. “Joe Man;” a step-daughter, Tokeya Berry; three grandchildren, Nikki, Octavia and Kee; three brothers, Alvin Gregory Magee (Rose) of Hackley, Reginald (Sharon) Magee of Sandy Hook, Miss., and Ms. Roger Magee of Baton Rouge; three sisters, Vanessa (Donald) Magee of Bogalusa, Monique (Paul) James of Franklinton, and Faye Patterson of Dallas, Texas; and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, July 20, at the Greater Hayes Creek Baptist Church at 1 p.m. The Rev. Jerome Warren will be officiating, and the Rev. Sherman Berry will bring the eulogy. Interment will be in the Greater Hayes Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.

Cook-Richmond Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.