First Lady Billie J. Middlebrook Berry

"Do not let your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me." John 14:1
Billie Joyce Butler-Sanders was born October 29, 1937, in Tyler, Texas to the parentage of the late Elder Felder and Catherine Sanders. She was an active member of the Church of the Living God, PGT in Tyler, TX. She was a graduate of Tyler Public Schools and El Centro College in Dallas, Texas.
Billie was married to Alfred Middlebrook until his death in 1976. She later married Bishop Calvin C. Berry, Jr., then pastor of Church of the Living God in Dallas, Texas. Together they celebrated 43 years of marriage until God called her home.
"For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." Romans 14:8
When Billie Berry became The First Lady of The General Assembly Church of The Living God, P.G.T. in Dallas, she received the position as a blessing and an opportunity to serve God's Mission. Billie loved and enjoyed her Church immensely with ongoing Christian activities. Billie was very active in service and her accolades included:
• Founder of The Church of The Living God Angelic Choir, Tyler, Texas
• Longtime member of the Mass Choir, C.C. Berry Sanctuary Choir, Women of Worship Choir and as a gifted soloist often leading songs requiring the skill to reach high soprano notes
• Founder of the Ewing Street GLOW Society-1997, ("God's Loving Outreach Workers")
• Praise Service leader on Glow Sunday singing "I Love to Praise Him"
• Speaker on numerous occasions for The General Assembly featuring Christian Women Fellowship and Women's Programs in Tyler, Houston, and Waco, Texas
Her continued Christian services also included numerous other activities including being a committed Bible Study Worshiper, Sunday School Scholar, preparing the church's Sunday Service Bulletin for 30 years, dedication to Twelve Noon Prayer Time, along with serving with the Sick and Shut-In Ministry at nursing homes and members' homes. Her full plate of activities also included preparing and reading church resolutions, engaging in Sunday School and even serving as an energetic Mistress of Ceremony at multiple church fashion shows.
Bishop Berry affectionately gave her the name "Fusbox" as she tactfully expressed her opinion when he and others needed an additional "perspective" on issues.
Billie loved both cooking and fashion. She especially liked baking "That Cake" as she called it. She delighted in blessing so many with her homemade dessert. On top of that, she loved fashionable suits, hats, and jewelry and was very complimentary of others as she also sported her own favorites.
Above everything, Billie demonstrated her absolute love for God and her family. They absolutely love her too and will miss her deeply.
"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalms 23:4
Billie's brothers, Felton Sanders (Geneva) and Jimmy Butler (Yvonne) preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish her memories: her husband, Calvin Charles Berry, Jr.; Daughters: Jacqueline Middlebrook-Carwell (Darriell), Linda Jones (Keith), Cynthia Berry; Sons: "Beloved" Wendell Middlebrook (Kimberlee), Calvin Berry, III(Joanne), Stephen Berry, Sr. (Nona), Andrew Berry (Brenda). Grandchildren: Cametha (Nikki) Lewis(deceased) (Bobby); Marques Thompson, Kyndell Middlebrook, Stephanie Berry, David Berry, Andrea Berry, Adam Berry, Andrew Berry, Christopher Jackson, Kandace Gairy, Keith Jones, Jr., Stephen Berry, Jr, Stephanie Hill, Pamela Berry; nephew Jimone Butler(Sherrill) and a host of great grandchildren, relatives and dear friends