On Wednesday, August 12, 2020, heaven welcomed home an amazing servant of God, Reverend Kelvin Edward Berry.  He was a gentle spirit and loved serving God, ministering to the people of God, and helping humanity.  He was a warm, loving husband, father, grandfather (G-Pop), and friend. He was known for his ability to bring calmness to any situation.

He had an impeccable eye for style; he was always well-groomed and noted for his fashionable, classic apparel.  He often gifted neckties to share his love for tasteful statements in men’s fashions.  Rev. Berry received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University (Ohio) and completed a strategic executive management program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He also completed masters-level coursework in Practical Theology at the Ashland Theological Seminary of Ashland University (Ohio).

Rev. Berry loved his colleagues at Kent State University, where he served as Director for Economic Development and Community Engagement in the Office of Government and Community Relations from June 2013 until his health declined.  He worked as a facilitator for strategic large-scale community engagement partnerships and economic development initiatives for the Kent Campus. Before his employment at Kent State University, Rev. Berry was a dedicated member and employee at Antioch Baptist Church, serving as director of administration. He was also executive director and co-founder of Antioch Development Corporation (ADC). Under his leadership of ADC, Rev. Berry successfully launched the first faith-based AIDS service organization in the state of Ohio in 2000.  Rev. Berry was an entrepreneur and partnered in the World Source Marketing business with his best friend Steve Williams for nine years.  Before this endeavor, he had a successful career as a group supply chain director at Eaton Corporation for many years.  Rev. Berry was a member of the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce, Portage Development Board, Kent Interfaith Alliance, an association of 15 faith-based institutions.  At the time of his passing, Reverend Berry was the chairperson of the Akron Urban Design and Preservation Commission and Progressive Alliance Community Development Corporation.  Rev. Berry was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church and supported his pastor and the members of New Hope with his time, talents, and administrative insight.

He was especially close to the men who attend Monday Night Huddle, a bible study that Rev. Berry taught each month. Kelvin accepted his call to ministry and, if you think about it, this gathering continues his love of outreach for the sake of Christ. He was elevated and ordained as a Reverend on Sunday, December 8, 2019, under the leadership of Rev. David Nelson.  His dear friend, mentor, and former pastor, Rev. Marvin McMickle, delivered the sermon for this important milestone during Reverend Berry’s ordination ceremony.

That was very special for him!

Rev. Berry was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lois and Joe D. Frierson, Sr., beloved mother, Betty Delores Berry Thompson, and mother in love, District Missionary Charlotte Vinson.

Rev. Berry is survived by his loving wife, and devoted caregiver, Debra; daughters, Errin (Ken) Weaver, and Amber (Derrick) Markray; sons, Justin Berry and Andrew Scott; sisters, Cheryl Berry and Wendy (William, Jr.) West; grandchildren Nala Weaver, Zen Weaver, Logan Markray and Layla Markray; father in law, Eld. Lawrence Vinson, Sr., brothers and sisters in law, Cheryl Dumas, Michelle (Howard) Seeden, Lawrence Vinson, Jr., Vicki (Jimmy) Carson; special friends, Steve Williams, Randy Williams, Ike Simpson, Jackie Jackson, Rev. Gloria Chaney and The Anderson Gang; devoted cousins, Vanessa, Marlynne, Andrea, Andre’, Robbin & Franklynn; goddaughter, Janessa and spiritual daughter, Monicocoa; nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends and the beloved family dog, Sugar whom he affectioned called his “hairy daughter.” Reverend Berry will be sorely missed.