John Weldon Berry, Sr. was born August 10, 1940 in Tyler, Texas as the only child to Annie Glover Jones and John Jones.  He was a faithful member of St. John Missionary Baptist Church-Dallas for over 50 years. He served as a Deacon as well as a member of the Sanctuary Choir, Deacons Sunday School class, Bus Ministry, Senior Adult ministry and the Usher Board.

John graduated from James Madison High School in Dallas, Texas and received his Bachelors of Science degree in Business Administration from Prairie View A&M University.  As a student at Prairie View, John was actively involved in student activities including the Band, R.O.T.C., Business Club and was elected  as President of his 1962 Class. John continued his post graduate education at East Texas State University (now Texas A&M University- Commerce) where he received a Master of Business Administration and later received an Honorary Doctorate degree in Humanities.

He married the love of his life and Prairie View and Madison classmate, Deralyn Gregory in 1963. To this union two beautiful children were born, Angela and John Jr.  After college, John was employed by several companies and educational institutions which reflected his call for service and commitment to the community and education including Guaranty Bank, 3M and a recruiter at Bishop College. Additionally, early in his career, John worked for ICBO, the local Dallas business incubator center, assisting several local entrepreneurs with business development and financing options. For 38 years, he was employed by El Centro College as a Professor of Business Administration/Management and later became an Adjunct professor in Business Management for an additional five years. John was consistently recognized and honored for his devotion to the teaching profession and the special impact he made on his students and his community. In 2006, John received the Miles Production Company Outstanding Faculty Award for the entire Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) system an honor that recognized him as an effective and dedicated teacher.

John became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1968 and was a very proud and active member of the Theta Alpha chapter in the Dallas area. He actively worked with the Omega Youth group, known as the SPARKS, for several years. In 2018, he was recognized at the 81st Grand Conclave for his 50 years of devotion and service to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

John was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who never met a stranger. He was devoted to his family, his church, his fraternity and his students. John was one who believed in education and would always encouraged young men and women as well as some of his non-traditional older students to reach their highest potential. He was always willing to help others whenever he was able. The life and legacy of  John Weldon Berry Sr. will always be remembered in the hearts of many. His strong Christian values, unselfish commitment to education and untiring community service will never be forgotten.

John is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Deralyn Berry, two children: Angela Berry-Roberson (Sherman) and John W. Berry, Jr. (Dwala), both of Dallas, Texas as well as grandchildren, cousins, brothers/sisters in law in addition to numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts and uncles who helped raise him.

Donations can be made online at https://www.foundation.dcccd.edu/donate. Click on the amount of the donation and select "Other" under Designation, and type the name of the scholarship, "John Berry Scholarship".

Additionally, donations can be made by check written to the DCCCD Foundation and in the memo section, please write "John Berry Scholarship". The mailing address is 1601 South Lamar Street, Suite 130, Dallas, Texas 75215-1816.