Bill Text: VA SJR90 | 2024 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of the Honorable Edward DeJarnette Berry.
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2024-02-12 - Bill text as passed Senate and House (SJ90ER) [SJR90 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-SJR90-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the Honorable Edward DeJarnette Berry, a retired judge of the 16th Judicial District of Virginia who was highly admired for his contributions to children and families in the region, died on March 1, 2023; and
WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Madison County, Edward DeJ. Berry attended Madison County High School, then subsequently earned a law degree from the University of Richmond; and
WHEREAS, beginning in 1973, Edward DeJ. Berry practiced law in Madison for two decades, earning a reputation as a caring and determined advocate for his clients; and
WHEREAS, Edward DeJ. Berry served as a substitute judge from 1990 until 1993, when he was appointed as a Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court judge of the 16th Judicial District of Virginia; he presided over courts in the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Louisa, Madison, and Orange with fairness and wisdom during his tenure on the bench; and
WHEREAS, Edward DeJ. Berry took great pride in his work with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), a national organization that ensures children have proper support and representation in the legal system, and he helped create CASA chapters throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, Edward DeJ. Berry also proudly supported the Charlottesville/Albemarle Family Treatment Court, which has allowed numerous children to be returned to their biological families, and he was a sought-after speaker on its success; and
WHEREAS, after serving the Commonwealth with distinction for 24 years, Edward DeJ. Berry retired as a judge in July 2017; and
WHEREAS, in later life, Edward DeJ. Berry continued supporting his community by serving as a substitute judge and as an active volunteer with local organizations; he was a tireless volunteer for the Madison County Historical Society, spending countless hours in the Circuit Court Record Room and, among other local records, compiling detailed information for the society and its members, and was well-known for his extensive knowledge of the history of Madison County and the surrounding region; he was also an enthusiastic volunteer for the Madison County Fair, serving as a cook and assisting with the livestock sale and the Madison County Young Farmers; and
WHEREAS, Edward DeJ. Berry will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Sarah "Essie" Berry; his children, Shawn Woodfolk and Sarah Brown Owens, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of the Honorable Edward DeJarnette Berry, a retired judge of the 16th Judicial District of Virginia and respected member of the Madison community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of the Honorable Edward DeJarnette Berry as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
