Berrys Earn Chamber’s Service Award
On behalf of the Water Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, Mary Sue Stevens (left) presented the annual Braswell Hatcher Community Service Award to Jimmy and Shirley Berry. The presentation was the highlight of last Friday’s annual Chamber banquet. – Photo by Leslie Brooks
By David Howell
Editor
WATER VALLEY – This year’s coveted Braswell Hatcher Community Service Award was presented to a couple who have been an inspiration to many in the community, Jimmy and Shirley Berry. The presentation by Mary Sue Stevens at last Friday’s annual Chamber banquet was among highlights of the evening that also included Mayor Donald Gray’s inaugural State of the City Address and recognition for Gaylon Booker as the town’s Honorary Ambassador. Cary Vaughn as the guest speaker and his wife, Lalania Vaughn, provided entertainment.
“It is indeed an honor and a special privilege for me to present the 2018 Braswell Hatcher Community Service Award to two very deserving citizens who enjoy serving others while expecting nothing in return,” Stevens said during the presentation.
She also provided a brief overview of the couple’s history. Jimmy graduated from Water Valley High School in 1959 and started working for Illinois Central Railroad in January 1962. He retired in January 2002 as an engineer with Canadian National Railroad. The couple was married in 1969 and have six children – Ricky, Guy, Tommy, Donny, Pammy, and Jammy. They also raised 11 foster children.
“They sowed seeds of God’s love by rearing their children in a Godly home and taught them the value of a servant’s heart; reminding them and many others of God’s grace,” Stevens added.
The couple moved out to their farm in 1972, which was the perfect place to raise all of their children.
Stevens also noted that Jimmy and Shirley have always had a heart for children and in 1982 they gave one-tenth of their farm to the Mississippi Baptist Children’s Village and Reedy Acres was developed. The lives of hundreds of children have been changed because of their very generous gift.
Shirley became a member of the Experiencing God team in 1975 and she has attended 670 weekend retreats in the last 43 years. After Jimmy retired, he joined the team 16 years ago.
In 1998, Shirley was selected as Senior Mrs. Mississippi, representing Mississippi and Water Valley.
“Through her travels across our state she had the unique opportunity to share her strong faith, beautiful voice, and tell others about many of the special treasures Yalobusha County has to offer,” Stevens added.
