Murdine Berry lived a life of love, service and faith. An educator, a pioneer, an activist, a lover of history, and a servant who touched the lives of many; her legacy will live on through her words and deeds.

Born November 2, 1928 in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Murdine Edward Keys was the third of 12 children born to the Reverend Clinton Seth and Jearline Morney Keys.

She attended school in Louisiana, graduating from Second Ward Colored School (W.O. Boston School) in Lake Charles. Then it was off to Wiley College where she received her bachelor's degree in Education.

Always in pursuit of excellence, Murdine was among the first blacks to receive a Master's Degree from the newly-integrated North Texas State University (University of North Texas). She later worked toward a doctorate degree at East Texas State University (Texas A&M Commerce).

A long-time member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church in Dallas, Murdine shared 46 years with the love of her life, Leonard A. Berry, Sr., who died in 2003. They were the proud parents of Leonard Jr., Linda and Jody.

Murdine passed away peacefully in Dallas, Texas. In her 88 years, she was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, teacher, mentor and friend to many. She was also a leader and a fighter, a champion of the underdog and a warrior for justice.

Speaking truth to power, Murdine was instrumental in pioneering integration in the Shannon Estates area of Dallas and felt there were so many strides that needed to be made in society. She felt a strong desire to be on the forefront effecting change.

Her legacy lives on in the hundreds of young lives she touched as an educator in Dallas Independent School District for 32 years. She was known, admired, respected and loved by students, parents and co-workers for her three rules:

1. I'm the parent here and I'm responsible for you until you get half way home;

2. Come In Learning, Go Out Knowing; and

3. Rules - Yes, No, Please and Thank You!

Murdine's career included stints at J.J. Rhodes, Julia Frazier, and H. S. Thompson elementary schools with the majority of her career at the Talented and Gifted program at Roger Q. Mills Elementary School.

Murdine was adventurous with a wonderful sense of humor. She traveled extensively and her excursions took her to several continents. Always stressing the need to learn and preserve history, she took great pleasure in visiting Ireland in search of information about her mother's roots.

A trailblazer, Murdine was affiliated with many organizations and served with distinction as the first Black on the Board of Directors for Haggar Slacks. She was President of the Coalition of 100 Black Women, a member of the Love Field Civic League, and a card-carrying, lifetime member of the NAACP and Texas State Teachers Association.

Murdine was preceded in death by: her parents, Reverend Clinton and Jearline Keys; husband Leonard A. Berry Sr.; her brother Commodore Perry Keyes; and her sisters Marcilee "Peaches" Jones, Sylvia Wooten and Majorie Keys.

She is survived by her children: Linda Berry Henderson, Dr. Leonard Autwood Berry Jr. and Jody Nell Berry; her sisters Ethel "Bananas" Wilson, Beady Bankston, Bernita "Mildred" Hopkins, Maudra "Frisky" Mallet (Charles), Carolene Waddell (Charles), and Idernell "Mickey" Reed; her brother, Clinton "Sonny" Keys; grandchildren Leonard A. Berry III (Jessica), Angelina Berry, Aleshia Berry, Bruce Williams and Xander Berry; great grandchildren Kayla Berry, Leona Berry and Kade Williams. Also left to cherish her memories are numerous relatives, friends, former students, colleagues, and loved ones.