Deacon Lunzer Curtis Berry

“GONE FISHING” 

Deacon Lunzer Curtis Berry, age 95, was born in Ludowici, Georgia, on October 13, 1930. He was the third child of fifteen to the late Deacon Arnold Fairbanks Sr. and Deaconess Desiree Smith Berry. Deacon Berry entered eternal rest on November 30, 2025, peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Deacon Berry attended public school in Ludowici, Georgia: St. Thomas Church School, Och’s Grove Consolidated Elementary School, and Walker Elementary and High School. 

On October 7, 1951, Brother Curtis Berry was united in marriage to Sister Sarah Lunell Armstrong, daughter of the late Brother Solomon D. and the late Sister Effie Mikel Armstrong of Glennville, Georgia. To this union they were blessed with eight children: Brenda, Kenneth Sr., Robert, Aubrey, Pamela, Lamar, Dedra, and Katrina, and a granddaughter, Tonya, who was also raised with the family. Deacon Curtis Berry raised and provided for his family by being a diligent worker and laborer.

At the age of thirteen, Brother Curtis Berry gave his life to the Lord and became a member of St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church and was baptized into the Christian family. He served as an usher and choir member and was ordained a deacon in January 1960. For many years he served as Superintendent of the Sunday School Ministry. Deacon Curtis Berry always participated actively in his duties at St. Thomas Missionary Baptist Church—spiritually, faithfully, financially, and in any task given him.

Deacon Berry’s interests led him to be a devoted servant in the church, making repairs, doing yard work, and performing any work needed for the improvement of the body of Christ. Deacon Curtis Berry was elected Chairperson of the Deacon Board on November 29, 1996, and remained in that role until 2017. He was an avid fisherman, a master gardener, and he loved helping others. His love for gardening and farming was vital in the success of what is known today as Berry Family Farms, a family business that has continued for generations. Deacon Curtis and Deaconess Sarah became foster parents to seven children throughout the years.

Deacon Berry will always be remembered for his sincere piety, consistent life, gentle smile, and welcoming spirit, but especially for his faithful labors for Christ.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Deaconess Sarah L. Berry of Ludowici, Georgia; eight children: Brenda B. Brinkley of Ludowici, Georgia; Kenneth Berry Sr. of Ludowici, Georgia; Robert Berry of Ludowici, Georgia; Aubrey (Cheryl) Berry of Ludowici, Georgia; Pamela B. Lowe of Ludowici, Georgia; Lamar (Stacey) Berry of Glennville, Georgia; Dedra B. LaRochester of Ludowici, Georgia; and Katrina Berry of Savannah, Georgia; and Tonya Berry of Richmond Hill, Georgia. He also leaves twenty-four grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; brothers: Warren (Valarie) Berry of Fleming Island, Florida; Fairbanks Berry of Jesup, Georgia; and Alton (Gwen) Berry of Chicago, Illinois; sisters: Edna Scott of Ludowici, Georgia, and Christine Berry of Ludowici, Georgia; sisters-in-law: Betty Berry of Ludowici, Georgia; Mary Berry of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; Shirley Berry of North Charleston, South Carolina; Luveda Brazelton of San Diego, California; brother-in-law: Barney (Dorothy) Berry of Glennville, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In lieu flowers, please make donations to the St. Thomas Memorial Gardens Cemetery in the name of Lunzer Curtis Berry. The cashapp address is $stthomasmbc1879