Lifelong Jonesboro resident Wanda Lee Tate Berry, age 88, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 14, 2026.

She was born on November 14, 1937, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, to U.L. and Betty Tate. Wanda graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1955. While in high school, she met her future husband, Dr. Donald Berry. They married on August 2, 1958, and both attended Arkansas State University. When Donald began medical school at the University of Tennessee, Wanda transferred and completed her degree at the University of Memphis. She taught in the Memphis City Schools while Donald completed his Ob-Gyn residency. The couple then lived at Little Rock Air Force Base during his military service before returning to Jonesboro, where Donald established his medical practice.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Wanda gave her life to Christ in the 1970s. She and Donald were active members of several Jonesboro churches over the years, including First United Methodist Church, Trinity Church, Central Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church. In recent decades, she found special joy and fellowship in her Sunday school class at First Baptist Church.

Wanda took great pride in her family. She and Donald shared a loving marriage of more than 64 years until his passing in 2023. She was especially proud of her two sons and their families, who have continued the strong Christian legacy she and Donald began.

An accomplished artist, Wanda was known throughout the region for her vibrant oil paintings, particularly her richly colored floral works. Many of her pieces are featured in private collections, and she found special delight in creating and gifting artwork to family and friends.

She is survived by her sons: Dr. Michael Berry and wife Karen of Germantown, Tennessee Daren Berry and wife Stacie of Jonesboro, Arkansas

Grandchildren: Sheridan Wilks, Christian Berry, and Charlotte Berry, all of Austin, Texas; Jenna Berry and Kaylee Berry of Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Great grandson:

Greer Wilks of Austin, TX

She is also survived by her brother, Terry Tate of Houston, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Donald Berry; her sister, Peggy Tate Furey of Portland, Maine; and her parents.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

Wanda will be deeply missed by her loving family, many friends, and the community she cherished.