Mrs. Elaine Smith Berry

“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Elaine Smith Berry was born on June 19, 1957, in Independence, Louisiana, the seventh child of Cornelius and Gragulee Smith. At an early age, Elaine accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and became a faithful member of Big Creek A.M.E. Church in Kentwood, Louisiana. She later joined Oak Ridge Missionary Church in Wilmer, Louisiana, where she continued to grow in faith and service. Elaine received her education at O.W. Dillon Memorial High School through the 7th grade and graduated from Spring Creek High School in 1975. She went on to attend Southeastern Louisiana University for two years before beginning her professional career. Elaine first worked for Entergy for two years and later joined LSU Agriculture, where she served faithfully for 15 years. On December 24, 1983, Elaine married Carl W. Stewart. Together, they were blessed with three children: Terryl Smith, Sr., Kameko Smith, and Ambrey Stewart. Though the marriage later ended in divorce, their bond as a family remained strong. In 2020, Elaine found love again and on February 8, 2020, she married Mr. Charles E. Berry of Greensburg, Louisiana and their home was filled with love, laughter, and happiness. Elaine retired in 2021 from Regina Coeli Head Start after 15 years of dedicated service. She was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Elaine enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, shopping, and especially spoiling her grandchildren. Elaine was called to eternal rest on October 18, 2025. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory, two loving daughters, Kameko Smith and Ambrey Stewart; one devoted son, Terryl Smith, Sr., (Shanita McKnight), all of Kentwood, Louisiana; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; three sisters, Mae Vernon (James) of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mary Walls (Hollis) of Humble, Texas, and Gail Sims; two brothers, Gary Smith (Mable) and Alton Smith (Margorie); three sisters-in-law, Bobbie Smith of Dallas, Texas, Jeanette Smith of Baton Rouge, and Cynthia Tenninson of Hammond, Louisiana; one brother-in-law, Charles Sims of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; five stepchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius and Gragulee Smith; grandson, Javelyn Smith; great-granddaughter, Kaisley Solomon; two brothers, Hollis Smith and Eddie Smith; and nephew, Leon Smith. Elaine’s memory will forever live in the hearts of those she touched with her kindness, love, and gentle spirit. “Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23

Mrs. Elaine Smith Berry

June 19, 1957 - October 18, 2025