Funeral services will be conducted on Monday afternoon, September 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. from the chapel of the Taylor Funeral Home. Steve Baggett and Chris McCurley will officiate. Place of rest will be in the Dickson Union Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, September 13th between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and on Monday beginning at 12 Noon until time of service.
Those desiring memorials are suggested to Walnut Street Church of Christ or to Lipscomb University or a charity of your choice.
Dr. Minta Sue Berry, age 94, longtime English teacher for Lipscomb, died peacefully September 8, 2026. She resided at the Holland Berry Century Farm and maintained a home in Green Hills area of Nashville.
On September 26, 1931, Annie Laura Simpkins Berry and Holland Washington Berry became the proud parents of Minta Sue Berry. She was a precocious child who spoke her first word at six months. On her first day of school, she chose not to stay but promised to come back the next day. She kept her promise and loved Sylvia School for eight years. For her last three years she had Miss Mildred Ferrell, whom she loved and admired greatly.
Sue graduated as valedictorian of the 1949 class at Charlotte High School. All of the Berry girls were valedictorians of their classes upon graduation. In 1953 she graduated from Austin Peay with majors in mathematics and English. In 1954 she taught English at William James High School in White Bluff. In 1955 she began teaching math and later teaching English at Lipscomb. For thirty-five years she served Lipscomb in a variety of ways- including Chair of the English Department and Director of Teacher Education.
She earned her doctorate degree at Vanderbilt in 1963 and thus became the first female Ph.D. teaching at Lipscomb. She was honored when she was selected as Lipscomb Legend.
She was a longtime and faithful member of Walnut Street Church of Christ, member of the Retired Teachers Association and in the past was a member of the Kiwanis Club for many years. She also enjoyed her time as an associate member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary teacher’s organization.
Perhaps her favorite teaching was done in her creative writing classes. It pleased her that so many of her former students have become published writers.
When she retired in 1990, she returned to the family farm with the intention of spending time to do some “creative writing” on her own. She was delayed for a time while taking care of her aging parents. Ultimately, she did get writing time and published three books- “Who Is My Neighbor”, “Beside Still Waters”, and “Reading Between the Lines”.
Sue’s hobbies were crossword puzzles, Find the Word, and cryptograms. However, her greatest delight was flowers. In the spring she spent a lot of time selecting flowers for the front porch and her various flower beds. She spent much time watering and caring for her plants.
Dickson Countians knew of Sue’s willingness to volunteer. She was a volunteer at the hospital for over thirty years. She was a volunteer for the Counseling Center at Walnut Street Church of Christ for over twelve years.
Survivors include her two sisters, Patricia Ann Berry and Peggy E. Berry both residing on the family farm, special caretakers, Marcia Williams, Sandy Hime, Vicki Williams, Sherrie Turbeville and Mark and Wendy O’Neal, Mark Westerman and numerous cousins. Dr. Berry was preceded in death by her parents Holland and Annie Laura Berry, her sister Erma Dean Sears, and her brother-in-law, William F. Sears.
Casket bearers will be Dale Berry, Mark Westerman, Neal Westerman, Randall Bowker, Guy Bowker and Larry Hime.
20 Responses
Dr. Berry was a fabulous college literature teacher!
To our dear friends Pat and Peggy. we extend our deepest sympathy. Dr. Berry was a wonderful southern lady!
Dr. Berry was a teacher who was passionate about English. I had her for several English courses in college. It was my great joy to be in the Dickson Retired Teachers Association with such an admired icon. Even though she didn’t remember me, it was such an honor to be near her, all the same. She was always a dignified, Southern woman. I will miss seeing her.
I’m so saddened by the passing of this sweet lady. In 1976, she challenged me as a Freshman at Lipscomb, but encouraged in me the talents she saw. It was because of her, in part, that I’m still writing today. Thank you Dr Berry for your kindness and friendship.
I worked several years at the CB store in Charlotte. The Berry sisters would come in all together to get their weekly groceries. Ms. Sue and I would frequently joke with Ms. Pat & Peggy that I would give Sue her groceries for free if she shopped faster than her sisters. Sending prayers to Pat & Peggy in this difficult time.
Dr. Berry was a true inspiration to generations of young students at Lipscomb. By the time I began the Education program there and had direct interaction with her, she had just been promoted from the English Department to Director of Education. She consistently offered support, encouragement, and kind yet creative criticism. I was always amazed that even decades after college, she still remembered me whenever I saw her at church or around town. She was truly a positive role model for all of us, and her influence continues to shape the lives of all who had the privilege of learning from her.
We are so sorry for the loss of Dr. Sue Berry. She was my English Teacher at David Lipscomb College and helped me tremendously with that subject and most importantly she was a true friend. She helped me through a difficult time in my life and she was a friend in time of need. I will always appreciate her kindness and lovely way of life. We have managed to stay in touch with the Berry Family over the many years.
We are touched deeply with the loss of this dear lady. Our sympathy to Pat, Peggy and all the Berry Family. It is our hope and prayer that your current sadness of her loss will (with time) be changed to pleasant memories.
Love,
Kenneth Wayne and Linda
My father and I extend our deepest condolences to the Berry family. Prayers for peace and healing during this difficult time. So sorry to hear of Ms. Berry’s passing. What a life!
One of my greatest inspirations as a teacher and later as a colleague at Lipscomb.
Dr. Berry was a wonderful scholar, teacher, colleague, Christian and friend. I loved working with her at Lipscomb.
I was my high school valedictorian in 1976 and I took the CLEP test and avoided the need to take any basic courses at Lipscomb except for English. My county high school, and many rural high schools, were not very effective in teaching English. My first paper in Dr. Berry’s class resulted in a D grade. I had never received a “D” in my high school career. As a result, I was very concerned and spoke with Dr. Berry. She told me that she gives a LOT of tests, and I could bring up my grade. I worked very hard in her class, brought my grade up, and received an “A” for that first quarter of English. I took her for the next quarter, and also received an “A.” For my third and last quarter of English, I decided to take an “easier” English professor, and received a “B+.” One of only 3 grades during my college career that were less than an “A.” I later became an attorney, and I owe my success in College English to Dr. Berry.
Dear Peggy and Pat, I am so sorry to. hear about Sue. She and I worked together as Volunteers at the Horizon Hospital. Sue was always so calm and caring no matter what the situation. She was a very sweet lady to each and every person that walked through those doors as she was to those that walked through her life. I will miss her.
Peggy and Pat,
I want you to know I’m thinking of you during this sad time.
I know good memories of your sister will give you comfort in the days ahead.
My sympathy to you both.
Dr. Berry changed my life. I was a lazy student beginning my freshman year in 1979. She not only challenged me but told me I was a good creative writer. I took every class she taught. Any success I have experienced as a business owner I owe to Dr. Berry. God bless her and thanks to her parents for raising such an amazing human being.
My deepest sympathy to both Peggy and Pat…Sue was a fine Christian lady as are all the “Berry sisters”…Prayers for peace in the days to come…Sending much love, Lois Ann
She was an awesome teacher. I really enjoyed her class at Lipscomb in the late 70’s. One of the very few college professors that I even remember her name. She was disappointed that I wasn’t an English major.
Dr. Berry was an inspirational teacher at Lipscomb. She was also a friend. I spent much time in her home there. She was encouraging and life-changing.
Peggy and Pat.
I want you to know I’m thinking of you during this sad time. Good memories of your sister will give you comfort in the days ahead.
My sympathy to both of you.
Fred and Jan Mayberry
Sister Sue was such a sweet lady, always had a smile and a kind word. I remember when I first came to Walnut Street I had preached one Sunday all of the sisters came out and shook my hand with a compliment. I told sister Sue I was intimidated with her in the audience. I’m just a country boy from Hickman County. I know my English is not all that good. She said Fred I’m more interested in your content, than the way you speak. I have never forgotten her encouraging words.
I was Dr. Sue Berry’s student secretary for three years, from 1980 to 1983, when I was an English Education major at David Lipscomb College. Dr. Berry was known for being tough but fair. She directed me to major in English. I have now taught at Lincoln County High School (in the English Department) for 43 years, thanks to her guidance and desire for excellence in all her students. Dr. B and I shared yearly Christmas card messages for many years. How sad to hear of her passing, but how joyous to know that such a faithful Christian lady has received her reward.