Shirley Ruth (McLeister) Berry

Shirley Ruth (McLeister) Berry, age 80 and a resident of Konawa, Oklahoma, passed away Monday, March 26, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family and friends. A service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 30, 2018 at the church of Christ in Konawa under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Konawa.  Dale Choate will officiate. Shirley was born January 23, 1938 in Maud, Oklahoma to Walter A. McLeister and Ruth (Day) McLeister.  She married Lillard Berry July 31, 1953 in Konawa.  She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965 and a Master’s of Science Degree in 1972 from East Central University of Ada, Oklahoma.  She was a high school educator for the Konawa school system.  She was a candidate finalist for “Oklahoma State Teacher of the Year” in 1974.  Shirley taught for 26 years and served on the OEA Board of Directors and the Konawa School Board.  She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a sponsor for the Beta Club.  She also taught the Seminole County Alternative School, IBM/CCC.  For one year, she was an ECU Adjunct Professor.  She served as an American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Counselor.  Shirley was a member of the church of Christ of Konawa. She is survived by one son, Darrell Berry of Norman; two daughters, Debbie Millican and husband, Afton of Konawa, and Denise Sharp and husband, Max of Konawa; nine grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Ruth McLeister; her husband Lillard Berry; and two brothers, Kenneth and Don McLeister. Funeral Information: March 30, 2018, 10:00 AM church of Christ in Konawa under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Koanwa located at 200 S. Broadway, KONAWA, OK 74849