Cynthia "Cindy" (Hill) Berry

In the quiet stillness of the night of June 18, 2021, the Lord lovingly and peacefully positioned Cynthia Hill Berry into the cradle of His arms.  It was her chosen time to transition from this world of labor to receive God’s final gift – the reward of life eternal. Born on June 29, 1951 in Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, to Martin and Betty Jo Martin-Hill Bell, Cynthia was the first of four children.  As a child, she attended Michigan City Public Schools and graduated from Elston Sr High School where she learned the values of hard work and commitment. Accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior early in her life, she was baptized at Burnette Baptist Church in Detroit, MI and continued her walk-in faith and joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, MI. Cynthia married Julius Ceaus Berry on January 23, 1971.  They settled in Benton Harbor, Michigan, after meeting at a skating rink in LaPorte, Indiana. Cynthia and Julius became the proud parents of two children, establishing a lovely home and foundation for them.Cynthia lived a full life as a wonderful and dedicated mother.  She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. Cynthia put great emphasis on teaching her children the importance of putting God in the forefront of their lives. She dutifully instilled in her children strong values of hard work and the importance of education, that has served them all well. It was imperative that her children understood the morals and work ethic necessary to become productive individuals.  She especially loved her role as Nana and readily extended that same love and care to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For 25 years, Cynthia served as  Office Manager at Double Day Brothers Inc., in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Cynthia’s larger-than-life personality never failed to entertain, enlighten, and uplift every person she encountered. Her sharp intellect and infectious humor knew no bounds. Cynthia loved to play bingo, cook, play cards and was an avid roller skater.  Her vivacious personality always made people around her laugh. She made friends everywhere she went. Cynthia loved to love on people but didn’t take no mess! The eldest of the four, Cynthia kept tabs on all her family, nieces and nephews included.  Knowing what was going on at all times, she really attempted to keep the entire family together from state to state. 

Cynthia is preceded in death by grandfather, Samuel D. Martin, grandmothers, Margie Butler and Gertrude Lusby, her mother, Betty Jo Bell, father, Martin Ellens, brother, Eric Hill, nephew, Juan Brooks and her favorite aunt and uncle, Bertha and Willie Hammonds.

In perfect peace, Cynthia leaves to cherish fond memories in the hearts of her children, Monica Berry and Marcus (Tia Jakes) Berry; three sisters, Gail Brooks, Lynn Bell-Martin and Glenda (Keith) Harris; (4) grandchildren, Kaila Berry, Khalil (Tamia) Berry, Marcus Berry Jr. and Madison Berry;  (4) great-grandchildren, Jayden Bowens, Kyce Berry, Knoelle Autry and Lola Berry, nieces, Dawn (Erick) Williams, Jessica (Jennifer) Burnside, McKenzie Martin and Sydney Martin; (4) great-nephews, Malik Brooks, Mykel & Mikye Williams and Kayden Brown; her two special aunts, Harriet and Margaret Martin and her two favorite uncles, Sam and Sonny Martin and a host of  cousins, other relatives and her beloved best friend, Anita (Tiny) Freeman.

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