Hilda Mikell Berry

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Saulters Moore Funeral Home Chapel in Prentiss, MS for Mrs. Hilda Mikell Berry, age 95, of Jackson who passed away March 1, 2010 at her residence. Internment followed at New Hebron Cemetery. Rev. Sonny Adkins officiated. Pall bearers were Mike Abrahams, Mike Mikell, Chip Mikell, Collins Mikell, David Sykes and Andy Berry. Hilda was born to Byron and Belle Mikell on August 1, 1914. One of eleven children, she grew up in a loving and nurturing environment in rural Jefferson Davis County where their home was always alive with family and friends. Her family was self-sustaining and freely shared with the community. Married to Harold Berry in 1933, they also raised their family in rural Jefferson Davis County. They worked their land together, growing fruits, vegetables and crops, and raising cattle and horses. Their home too, was a busy gathering place for family and friends. Hilda was an exceptional cook and talented seamstress and she joyfully shared her gift. She was an active member of the William Ramsey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and enjoyed researching family history. At age 50, Hilda fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a nurse. After graduation from UMC, she began her nursing career delivering babies at St. Dominic Hospital. She later joined the emergency room team until her retirement in 1979. After retirement, Hilda nursed many members of her immediate and extended family lovingly for many years. Her oldest daughter, Maggie Belle Berry preceded her in death in June 2002 and her husband, Harold, passed away in 1983. She is survived by her daughter, Margaret Blue King Robinson and her son-in-law Mark Robinson of Madison. Hilda, Margaret and Mark enjoyed quite an active social life together, frequenting several favorite restaurants and enjoying many a competitive game of Scrabble. Hilda is also survived by her sisters, Virginia Brinson and Doris Rodgers; her brothers, Larue Mikell and Roland Mikell, all of Prentiss; and 38 nieces and nephews. Dr. Al Steele, Dr. Clay Hayes and her faithful assistant, Margie Dawson, all gave her very special care for many years and Hilda had great respect, appreciation and love for each of them.