Donna Elaine Berry Cheema

With family lovingly by her side, beloved Donna Elaine Berry Cheema peacefully transitioned into the arms of God on May 10, 2022. Donna was the daughter of the late World War II veteran Major Ervin H. Berry, Sr. and Elaine Ulmer Berry. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Ervin H. “Hal” Berry, Jr. and Paul K. Berry. She is survived by her children Deborah Elaine Cook of Beaufort, SC; Sandra “Denise” Cook Walker (Tom) of Varnville, SC; Darleen Renee Cook Starega of Columbia, SC; and Douglas Roy Cook, Jr. (Nicole) of Bluffton, SC.  Additionally, she is survived by her uncle The Honorable (ret.) Jack K. Berry, Sr (Frankie) of Savannah, GA; her sister Sandra Berry Boyd (Rhett Sr.) of Ridgeland, SC; and her sister-in-law Kathy Berry (Paul) of Titusville, FL. She will be greatly missed by her 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren who affectionately called her ”Granny” and by her many nieces, nephews, close family and friends whom she loved and who loved her dearly.

Donna was born on December 10, 1944 at Fort Stewart in Savannah, GA. She grew up in Ridgeland, SC and loved being a part of the Chechessee River Community where lifelong friendships and wonderful memories were made. Donna was an adventurous spirit who enjoyed horses, her pet dogs, water skiing, and swimming “like Esther Williams.” She very much appreciated all kinds of music and was very much interested in church participation, traveling, reading, planting gardens, creating crafts and teaching the younger generations how to cook, sew and dance. Before retiring in Beaufort, SC, she lived and worked several years in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

Donna leaves behind a beautiful legacy of unconditional love, kindness, grace, strength, encouragement and acceptance of all who were blessed to have known her. Her adult children are eternally grateful to have benefited from these treasured values and will miss the special bonds of friendship she shared with each one of them. A private ceremony will be held at a later date.In lieu of flowers, if anyone would like to donate in Donna's memory, please send donations to your closest children's hospital or local animal rescue.

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