Iva Berry Heath

1936 - 2012

Iva Berry Heath passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012, after a courageous battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Celebration of life: 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Chapel in Colleyville. Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or a favorite charity. Iva was born March 9, 1936, in Whitney to the late James Theo Berry and Grace Kirkland Berry. She was a longtime resident of Fort Worth and a beloved mother, grandmother and friend. Her beautiful smile and sweet spirit will be missed by all. Iva spent 40 years in the banking sector in Fort Worth, holding various officer positions, and although she had "retired" from Riverbend Bank in 2007 she still worked part time as their internal auditor. She dearly loved her bank family, which included both co-workers and customers. In the early '80s Iva took a brief hiatus from banking and worked for Acme School of Aeronautics at Meacham Field, where she obtained her solo pilot's license! Iva had many interests . . . she loved reading, traveling, shopping. She was a painter, she loved antiquing, and she loved gardening and spending time in her yard with her many flowers and projects. She also cherished spending time with family and friends. "Nanny" could very often be found accompanied by one of her grandchildren or great-grandchildren, or attending one of their events. Iva was a member of St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in North Richland Hills. She had been active through the years in her community's Neighborhood Watch, and had been involved in United Way and Optimist Club. She had also served as a volunteer with Bass Hall. Iva will be greatly missed by all who loved her. But we are thankful that she is not suffering and is at home with her Lord and Savior. Besides her parents, Iva was preceded in death by her brothers, James Berry Jr. and Eugene Berry. Survivors: Iva is survived by her children, Donna Kane of California and Jerry Heath Jr., Terry Heath and James Heath, all of Whitney; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She also leaves a loved extended family, including nieces, nephews and cousins.