The hosts of friends and relatives of Mrs. Prentiss Webb Berry, Sr., were shocked and deeply grieved to learn of her death which occurred at the Jefferson Davis County Hospital early Monday morning as a result of a fall which she suffered at her home Sunday in which she sustained a broken hip and severe shock.

Mrs. Berry, who was Effie Magee prior to her marriage, and her late husband, for whom the town of Prentiss is named, were prominent pioneer citizens. Mr. Berry was a large landowner and farmer and once owned all of the land on which Prentiss is built as far as the eye could see in all directions. He worked with railroad officials to map out the route for the railroad to come into Prentiss, and held the pine torch that provided light for the driving of the last spike on that dark Saturday night before Christmas Eve in 1902 that allowed the first work train to steam into a new town. In seeking for a suitable name for the new town, Mr. Berry wanted it named Effie for his lovely and beloved wife, and then as second choice, Maggie, for the couple's oldest daughter. Having deeded land to the railroad he was prevailed upon to give his consent to have the town bear his name, Prentiss, which he did.

Mr. and Mrs. Berry were the parents of thirteen children, all of whom preceded their mother in death except four sons.

Mrs. Berry was truly a gentlewoman of the old school. She reigned in her home as a queen on her throne, and always, it was her aim to make the home a place of love, feasting, comfort, and happiness for her loved ones. Her love was returned in large measure by her devoted children. In her declining years, more and more the sons who were left to her, showered her with every attention and demonstrated their love to her in every way. The youngest son, Kendall Berry of Blytheville, Ark., when told of his mother's accident by telephone soon after it happened Sunday, hurried home and was at her side before nightfall, to lend what comfort and cheer he could. The beautiful home she has been occupying the past few years was provided by him that she might have every comfort possible in her last years. The devotion of the sons to their mother, and the mother to her sons, was beautiful to behold.

Mrs. Berry celebrated her ninetieth birthday in the spring, with all of her children around her. She still, at her advanced age, was a brilliant conversationalist, and loved having her friends and relatives visit her. Just recently, she walked by herself to the café operated by her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. George Berry, and spent the afternoon enjoying chatting with various persons who came in. She took great pride in her garden and had vegetables growing in abundance the year round. She was remarkably well preserved for her age.

Funeral services were held from the Prentiss Baptist Church at ten o'clock Tuesday morning with her pastor, Dr. L. E. Green officiating, assisted by Dr. J. A. Warren, pastor of the Prentiss Presbyterian Church. Interment was made in the Berry plot of the Brady Cemetery with Saulters Funeral Home in charge. Grandsons served as pall bearers.

She is survived by four sons, P. W. Berry, Jr.; Wood Berry and George Berry of Prentiss, and Kendall Berry of Blytheville, Ark.; one brother, J. T. Magee of Edinburg, Texas; one sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Slayden of Whittier, Calif.; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Published in The Prentiss Headlight, Prentiss, Mississippi