Oletta Etheleen Melson Berry was born to Joe Henry and Laura Ethel Melson on July 6, 1926, in Lutts, Tennessee. Etheleen married Ben Franklin Berry on May 6, 1945. He preceded her in death on April 12, 2007. Etheleen went to her Heavenly home on February 5, 2023, at Boyd Cottages in Waynesboro, Tennessee at the age of 96 years, 6 months, and 30 days. She was a member of Scotts Chapel Free Will Baptist Church.
Etheleen owned and operated Collinwood Florist for many years where she was an accomplished floral designer. She arranged flowers for all occasions, and her florals were very much in demand. She loved gardening and preserving the garden vegetables she and her husband grew and then cooking them for her family. She spent hours preparing special meals, and her Sunday dinners often were shared with friends. She has enjoyed using her iPad to keep up with friends and family for the last few years. Her favorite activity was spending time with her family.
Etheleen is survived by daughters, Judy Montgomery and Janice Sinclair, husband Johnny, Collinwood, Tennessee, and Jackie McFall, Columbia, Tennessee. She is also survived by grandchildren Dwayne Montgomery, wife Cherie; Jana White, husband Matt; Cyndi Keeton, husband Micheal; Julie Pingel, husband Mike; Ragan McFall; Madison McFall; and Makenzie McFall. Great-grandchildren are Ethan Pingel, Hattan Montgomery, Claire Pingel, Cate White, Max White, Emily Pingel, Sarah Pingel, Nealy Keeton, Brody Keeton, Ben White, Bo Montgomery, and Bear Montgomery. Survivors also include many nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to her husband and parents, Etheleen was preceded in death by sons-in-law Bobby Montgomery and Robin McFall; sisters, Ruby Franks, Theo Dodd, Maureen Rich, and Wylo Mae Melson; and brothers Rudolph Melson, J.P. Melson, Hayes Melson, and Charles Melson.
Pallbearers were grandson Dwayne Montgomery; grandsons-in-law Micheal Keeton, Mike Pingel, and Matt White; and great-grandsons Ethan Pingel and Max White. Honorary Pallbearers were great-grandchildren Hattan, Claire, Cate, Emily, Sarah, Nealy, Brody, Ben, Bo, and Bear. Brother Kerry Franks and Brother Tim Hanback officiated the funeral.
Services were held at the Chapel in the Shackelford Funeral Home in Collinwood at 3 p.m. on February 9.
