Barbara Francis Shumpert Berry, 75, passed away January 26, 2016, at McLeod Medical Center in Florence, SC. A service to celebrate her life will be held at graveside at Magnolia Cemetery in Latta, SC, on Friday, January 29, 2016, at 1:00 PM with the Reverend Marty Nason and Laura Gasque officiating.  The family will receive friends at the graveside immediately following the service. Kannaday Funeral Home in Latta is assisting the family.
Barbara was born on May 29, 1940, in Pelion, SC, the daughter of the late Harvey Franklin and Maudie Rast Shumpert. She was an alumna of Lander College and earned a Masters of Education degree from Francis Marion University. Before embarking on a teaching career, Barbara used her home economics skills as a home economist with Clemson Extension. Afterwards, she gave almost 30 years of dedicated service to countless children before she retired from Latta Elementary School. She was active in Mount Andrew United Methodist Church in Floydale, SC. She was a member of the McLeod Hospital Auxiliary Dillon. Because of her love for gardening, she became a Master Gardener and was active in the Magnolia Garden Club, where she served as past president and was the originator of the club’s annual scrapbook. She was an exceptional cook and homemaker who willingly shared the bounty from her kitchen with her neighbors and friends. Barbara and her husband Jimmy were pleased to shower visitors to their home with fresh vegetables, delectable dishes, good conversation, and tips on how to get the most from your plants.  The door to their home was always open.
Barbara lived life fully with exuberance and enthusiasm. She had a deep commitment to her community and often visited the sick and those who needed encouragement to brighten their day. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and faithful friend.  Her loss will be felt by many, but especially by her grandchildren whom she adored.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in death by her brother Harvey Franklin Shumpert, Jr. and her brother-in-law Robert Olee Berry.
Barbara is survived by her husband of 51 years, James Strom Berry of the home; son, James Strom Berry, II (Shannon) of Lexington, SC; and son, Kelly Shumpert Berry (Holly) of Statesboro, GA; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn Berry 12, Skylar Berry 11, and Logan Berry 9; and sister-in-law Virginia Berry Heckerman (R.G.).
Memorial contributions can be made to Mount Andrew United Methodist Church, 3038 Stackhouse Road, Dillon, SC 29536.
You may sign the online guestbook at www.kannadayfuneralhome.com.