Lillie Mae Berry-Colbert of Dallas, Texas, entered eternal rest on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the age of 85. She was born on July 17, 1941, in McKenzie, Alabama, to the late Arzie and Dollie Mae Berry. At a young age, she was baptized and joined the Church of the Living God CWFF, Temple #113, in McKenzie, Alabama, where she began her journey of faith and service to God.

Lillie attended and graduated from R.L. Austin High School in Georgiana, Alabama. It was there that she met the love of her life, Johnny Lee Colbert. Demonstrating his devotion to her, Johnny would often walk miles just to spend time with her. Their love continued to grow, and shortly after graduation, they were united in marriage and began building a life together. Their journey took them from Alabama to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, before ultimately settling in Dallas, Texas, in 1961.

Lillie joined North Park Missionary Baptist Church in her early twenties and remained a  dedicated and faithful member for over 60 years. During this time, she served in many roles, including as an usher, in Press Services, in the Missions Ministry, and as a Sunday School teacher. Through her years of service, Lillie touched the lives of many people and was a familiar and welcoming presence within the church. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and she was always willing to serve wherever she was needed. Her nurturing soul was not only reflected in the raising of her six children, but was also shown throughout her career, where she was able to touch the lives of thousands of students. In 1973,

Lillie was employed as a nutritionist for Dallas Independent School District (DISD). She dedicated 39 years of service to the district, with her tenure ending when she retired from Hillcrest High School in May 2002. Her work allowed her to care for and positively impact generations of students, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond her own family.

Lillie had a big personality and never met a stranger. She was known for her knack for talking and her outgoing spirit. You could talk to her for hours about any and everything, and she always had something to say. Her favorite pastimes were cooking and spending quality time with her family. Whether you were one of her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, or nephews, it was known that her house was the central spot for congregation and family gatherings. For many years, she hosted holidays, parties, and countless family gatherings, always making room for one more person. She even left space for the neighborhood children to come over and hang out.

Lillie had a way of making people feel at home. Her home was a place filled with good food, conversation, laughter, and love. Family was extremely important to her, and she cherished the time spent surrounded by the people she loved. The memories created around her table and in her home will forever remain a special part of her family's story.

Though she will be deeply missed, Lillie's life will continue to live on through her family, the people she touched, the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the many memories she leaves behind. Her legacy of faith, family, service, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Lillie leaves to cherish her memory her children, Johnny Earl Colbert (Pam), Jennifer Colbert, Smith Colbert (Sonji), and Carolyn Crittle; her brothers, Fred Berry (Ingrid, deceased) and Dewayne Rudolph (Althea); and her sisters, Mary Berry, Arwillia Berry Brooks, Dorothy Wilson (James), and Teresa Berry Averett. She is also survived by a host of grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will continue to cherish the memories she created with them.

Lillie was preceded in death by her parents, Arzie and Dollie Mae Berry; her husband, Johnny Lee Colbert; her sons, Harry and Frederick Colbert; and her brother, Arzie Berry Jr.