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Johanna ("Jolie") Wamble Berry, A heavenly angel's time on earth ended as we said farewell to our cherished wife, mother, grandmother and friend on April 14, 2019 in Baton Rouge. Her ever-present smile, energy, positive outlook, intellect, compassion and caring for others will not be forgotten. Jolie was born in McComb, MS, on Nov. 3, 1939. She grew up in Jackson, MS, graduating from Murrah High and Belhaven College. Married in 1964, she and Gene lived in San Francisco, Pensacola, Virginia Beach, VA, New Orleans, Monroe, LA, and Rochester, MN, during his training and military service before coming to Baton Rouge in 1974. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Helen McInnis Wamble; granddaughter Hailey Angelle Berry; and namesake, Jolie Thuneman Peel. She is survived by her husband, Gene; son, David (Courtney) and grandson, Laughlin; daughter Katherine Hearn (Donald); brother, John L. Wamble, Jr. (Cindy); namesake, Johanna Franchi; Godchildren, Lydia White, Karen Kuhn Ely, and Emily Gary Branum; and "pretend" daughters, Amanda Sharbrough Bryan, Jeanie McKowen Thuneman and Julia Shcherbakova Campbell. Her life has been filled with joyful service to her family, her church, and her community wherever she was living. After her family, her strong faith allowed her to provide leadership and service to her church. At First Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge, she served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, elder, and on numerous committees. She chaired the church's 175th Anniversary Celebration. In the larger church, she chaired the Committee on Ministry and was Moderator of the Presbytery of South Louisiana. She lovingly cared for and followed her many communicants whom she served as Sponsoring Elder. Jolie was recognized as a Volunteer Activist because of her broad community involvement as well. She has worked in various roles with LASC, Rural Life, Baton Rouge Opera Guild (President), Volunteers in Public Schools, parish and state Medical Association Alliance, Foundation for Historical Louisiana, LSU International Hospitality Foundation, West Feliciana Historical Society, Feliciana Country Gardeners, Audubon Pilgrimage, Southern Garden Symposium, Scout Den mother and Troop Leader, Arts and Humanities Council, Episcopal High and Tulane Parent Councils, and PEO Sisterhood (President). She served on the Baton Rouge Symphony board and was President of the Baton Rouge Symphony League. Her great joy was in working with the LSU Chi Omega sorority as an alumnae advisor, where she was Pledge Advisor and Personnel Advisor. For this she was selected as the Alumnae Advisor of the Year by the national organization. Her warm relation with students and alumnae has resulted in rewarding lifelong friendships. Fascinated with Louisiana architecture, her restoration of Wakefield Plantation in St. Francisville has provided her with immeasurable joy and wonderful memories with family and friends. Her last few years took her to the Rockies in Colorado where she made new friends in Silverthorne, CO, enjoying both the cool summers and winter fun in the snow. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 16, at downtown Rabenhorst Funeral Home from 6-8 P.M., and Wednesday, April 17, at First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge, from 10:00 A.M. until funeral services at 11:30. Interment will be at Green Oaks Mausoleum. Pall bearers are Joe Berry, Scott Berry, George Carter, Ronald Coleman, John Haynes, Donald Hearn, Mark McInnis, and John Turner. Honorary pall bearers are Carl Sheely, Scott Thurston, Swayze Rigby, Walter Bringaze, Mike Davis, Trey Conners, Jimmy Craven, Jim McNeil, Bill Boedefeld and Chuck Mock. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to your preferred charity, the First Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge Foundation or the Baton Rouge Area Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Susan Wamble Turner and Bill Wamble as gift to family.
I’m so sorry to read this about Jolie. I last saw her at my mom’s funeral, and with no relatives left in Baton Rouge, I’ve lost my line of communication. Gene, and family, please accept my very late condolences. You know how much my entire family loved you and yours! Since you moved next door on Ingleside Drive there was an immediate connection! Much love to all who mourn. ❤
Nancy Hirsch Lassen
Friend
April 14, 2021
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. Jolie was such a special person, God's blessing to humanity. Her place in our hearts and memories will always remain one our greatest gifts. May Gene and the family know that Jolie blessed the many people that had the good fortune to meet and know her. She was one of a kind and a gracious lady. God Bless.
Bob and Susan Kropp
Friend
April 10, 2021
May God provide you all comfort and peace during this difficult time.
April 22, 2019
To the family, how blessed you all were to have such a wonderful,caring,considerate lady to share your lives with.My sincere condolences to all of you.
Barry Jarreau
April 18, 2019
Her smile, her beautiful personality and her timelessness made Ms. Berry an absolute joy to be a Chi Omega with. She loved us so well and believed in us. She blessed our time in college and has undoubtably left the world better than she found it. May her beautiful soul Rest In Peace and May her laughter be heard amongst the angels.
Erica Karam Girouard
April 17, 2019
Gene,
I knew Jolie through Chi Omega's national convention in Memphis many years ago. My prayers are with you today.
Mary
April 17, 2019
Dear Gene, Katherine, David and families:
We were so shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Miss Jolie. Words are insufficient in times such as this. We just have to believe that God had things that he needed done in heaven and Jolie was just the person to get them done. Such a special person, full of joy, energy and southern charm. For over 30 years, our special relationship with the Berry family remains atop of our bucket list for good times and special memories. Our trips to Baton Rouge and Colorado, our trips to Wakefield Plantation with the elegant evening dinners with friends and family and who could forget the evening at the Governor's Mansion with our Longhorn friends, all of which were orchestrated by Miss Jolie, the consummate hostess. Just being in her presence made everyone feel better. The restoration of Wakefield Plantation and the maintenance of the history attached to the plantation were important to her. She made sure that everyone felt extra special to spend a day or evening at Wakefield. Truly one of a kind, a very special lady full of joy, with goodness in her heart and love for all. She will be missed. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your families. Know that God has special things in mind for Miss Jolie and everyone will enjoy their time with her in heaven. With love, Bob and Susan.
Bob and Susan Kropp
April 17, 2019
Dear Gene: Burton and I just heard today about beautiful Jolie; so sorry for your loss. She was such a special person, and so kind to everyone. I had seen her at the doctor's office and Theatre Baton Rouge just months ago and had a quick but lovely visit with her, commiserating on our both being on walkers. We hope to see you soon to express our wishes and prayers for your peace. Fondly, Sue and Burton Weaver
April 17, 2019
Dear Dr. Berry, So sorry to hear about Ms Jolie, My prayers are with you and your family. I will surely miss her.
Ken Elledge
April 17, 2019
To Dr. Gene and family,
My heart is breaking for you all. heaven truly got another angel with your wife/mom. I fell so blessed to have gotten to know Jolie, a warm, loving, spiritual woman withe a great sense of humor. Please know you're all in my thoughts & prayers.
Pam Bordelon
April 17, 2019
Dearest Gene,
I just heard of the sad loss of your precious Jolie. I'm so sorry for your loss and so saddened. She was truly one of a kind, and I know you were the love of each other's lives. I got to spend a little time with her at mom's funeral, our first visit in many years. Even through her pain, she was smiling and laughing and telling cute stories. She was a pure delight to all who knew her. I wish I could be there with you today, but just arrived yesterday in San Francisco to be with Lindsay and my grand baby, Izzy. I just heard about Jolie last night upon my arrival here. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. With much love and deepest sympathy, Nancy
Nancy Hirsch Lassen
April 17, 2019
We were blessed to have beautiful Jolie as a friend and will always recall the many fun and sweet memories. Now she rests in God's loving welcoming arms. Our deepest condolences to Gene, Katherine, David and their families. How lucky we were to have her in our lives.
Cindy & Andy Griet
April 17, 2019
Dearest Gene, Katherine and David! We are so sorry for your loss. It is hard to find the right words at a time like this. Please accept our love, warmest thoughts and prayers. Hugs, Julia and Chris Campbell
Julia campbell
April 17, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers and send our sympathy to all of you.
Jan and Jim Leuthauser
Jan Leuthauser
April 17, 2019
My deepest condolences to you during this most difficult time. Please be assured that the God of all comfort supplies strength to us during times of distress.
Psalms 145:18, 19
April 17, 2019
On behalf of Evergreen Life Services, a nonprofit which grew from a tiny Presbyterian Church 60 years ago to serve people with disabilities now in 8 states, I represent the many good people, who knew Jolie and her husband. May I express my deepest sympathies on behalf of us all.
Connie Anderson
April 16, 2019
Dr. Berry & Family:My son,Michael, joins me
in extending our most heartfelt sympathy for
the loss of your lovely wife. She was a very special lady. My late husband, Anthony
Noto & I always enjoyed seeing the 2 of you
at parties & airlines or wherever we happened to meet. May God Bless all of you
during this devastating time. Our thoughts
and prayers are with all of you.
Marie Dimaio Noto
April 16, 2019
Alexey Merunko
April 16, 2019
Dr Berry,
one of the best moments of our life we have spent with you and Ms Jolie. Ms Jolie was so much compassionate, patient and supportive for us and especially for Olga. We will remember her loving heart forever and.. we will meet with her one day in Jesus Place. This is our Faith.
Alexey and Olga Merunko
April 16, 2019
So sorry to hear about Jolie. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you. Hope we can reconnect soon, Jerry and Kiki Cohlmia
JERRY COHLMIA
April 16, 2019
a loved one
April 16, 2019
Dr. Berry,
What a beautiful picture of Jolie - it captures her spirit so well. I am thinking of you and your family - and sending my sympathy to you all. ~ Holly Gulden, Tulane University
Holly Gulden
April 16, 2019
a loved one
April 16, 2019
Gene I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you.
Vince Vincent
April 16, 2019
A lady of the highest regard and a presence of true joy . You will he remembered always. Tricia poche and family
April 16, 2019
Jolie was a very special woman. One of faith, caring and friendship. Her contagious smile and laughter lit up the room. She will be missed dearly. Deepest condolences to her husband Dr. Gene Berry and his wonderful family.
Cynthia Hayes
April 16, 2019
Such a blessing for the family to have shared so many years and memories with your beloved Jolie. May those memories bring you peace and solace during the days ahead each time you think of her. May the God of all comfort support each of you during your time of mourning and beyond.
April 15, 2019
Prayers to all of you! She was a Bundle of Joy for all to cherish. Hold your memories close. She will be dearly missed. Love you all!
Paulette Bell
April 15, 2019
a loved one
April 15, 2019
So sorry for your great loss. As you remember your loved one, may you find comfort in the words found at psalm 94:18,19.
April 15, 2019
We will so miss her joyful presence. She will not be forgotten.
Cynthia and Bear
Cynthia and Bear Astor
April 15, 2019
Jim Blackwood
April 15, 2019
So sorry for the family's loss. In the days ahead, may you find comfort in the God of loyal love and in the promise found at 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
April 15, 2019
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Rabenhorst Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown825 Government Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
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