Linda Berry

Livestream link: https://vimeo.com/event/5635399

The Life She Lived

Mary Linda Darden, affectionately known as Linda, was born in Bartlett, Texas, to Superintendent Leroy Darden and Ardella Darden. She was raised alongside nine siblings and attended the old L.C. Anderson High School in East Austin before graduating from Reagan High School.

Linda studied cosmetology and became a licensed cosmetologist. She later worked in hospital administration at Brackenridge Hospital and St. David's Hospital, where she became affectionately known as the smile of the hospital.

In 1974, Linda met Lamar Berry, and they were married on September 12, 1974. Their union spanned fifty years and produced four daughters, one of whom was born prematurely and passed shortly after birth. Linda was the devoted mother of LaTinysha, LaMencia, and LaFadrian. She shared a special bond with LaMencia Hill, her birthday twin.

For more than twenty-two years, Linda and Lamar co-founded Berry's Bright Bunch, a licensed registered family home. Together, they served as childcare providers and foster parents to hundreds of children, exemplifying love, faith, and service to the community.

Linda faithfully served within several congregations, including McKinley Heights C.O.G.I.C., Live Oak of Austin, and #1 C.O.G.I.C., where she worked in youth, choir, and women's ministries. She organized Christmas, Easter, and Black History programs and established a scholarship program to assist students pursuing higher education.

In 2013, Bishop Lamar Berry answered the call to pastor Rivers of Joy Temple of Worship, where Linda served as First Lady. Following his passing on April 2, 2025, she became Lady Emerita.

In 2015, Linda survived a major stroke that altered her health but never her faith. She continued to serve her community, including her work on the Board of Directors for People's Clinic, advocating for individuals with disabilities.

Linda was known for her tell-it-like-it-is personality, wisdom, generosity, and unwavering trust in God. After nearly nine months of separation, she was reunited with her beloved husband on December 30, 2025.

Preceded in Death

Lady Emerita Mary Linda Berry was preceded in death by her loving husband of fifty years, Bishop Lamar Berry; her parents, Superintendent Leroy Darden and Ardella Darden; and her siblings Johnnie Darden, Ira Darden, Claude Darden, Superintendent Elroy Darden, and Mattie Darden.

Leaves to Cherish Her Memory

She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters: LaTinysha Melton (Oscar "Scottie"), LaMencia Hill (Perry

Jr.), and LaFadrian Dongo (Valentine); her aunt: Elizabeth Nash; her godsons, Paxton Townsend & Jake Murphy; her siblings Alice Darden Davis (Robert), Ruth Darden City (Anthony ), Floria Darden, and Ardella Darden Ohueri "Punkin" (Clifford ); her sisters- and brothers-in-law Almetra Robinson, Marcella Jackson, Eunice Thomas, and Tom Lee Thomas (Tasha); her grandchildren Arianna Austin, Daniel Hill, Gabriel Dongo, Jaela Townsend, Janeen Spencer, Naryah Austin, McKenzie Dongo, Mercedes Williams (Micheal), Oscar Williams, Jr., Payton Townsend, Perry "Lex" Hill, S. Joy Austin, and Vion Townsend; and seven great-grandchildren.

She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who loved her deeply.