Roberta Jean Berry

            Mrs. Roberta Berry, 88, of Youngstown, entered eternal rest on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

            Mrs. Berry was born August 7, 1937 in Youngstown, a daughter of Robert and Sarah Adair Snipes.  She was a graduate of South High School. She pursued higher education and attended the Market Training Institute in Cleveland, and the Los Angeles City College in Los Angeles, CA. She had been employed as a teacher’s aide with Youngstown City Schools.   She was very active in her community.  She received many community service awards, such as the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama, a certificate of appreciation for her involvement in the Foster Grandparent Program, and a certificate of completion for the “Spiritual Leadership Program”.  A devoted member of Antioch Baptist Church, Roberta was active in the following ministries, Anniversary Committee, Sunday School, Prayer, Pastor’s Aide, and Welcome Committee.  She also enjoyed shopping, social games, traveling, dancing and was an avid Cavaliers Basketball and Cleveland Browns fan.

            Roberta was a regular attendee and member of the Bodimus Senior Activity Center in Youngstown where she was able to show her creative side by making many beautiful crafted and engaging with other senior citizens.  She always talked about the fun she had at the center.

            She leaves to mourn her passing, but to celebrate her life and legacy, her son, Robert Rivers of Los Angeles, CA; daughter-in-law, Anita Rivers of California; a grandson, Tony Rivers Jr.; a granddaughter, Keisha Rivers Moore; two sisters, Nancy Cash Tillman Howard and Lois Tillman Clark both of Youngstown; Nikki Washington and Loretta White who were like sisters to her; a best friends, Audrey Harris and Nikki Washington who were like sisters; and a host of nieces, nephews, including Deborah Snipes Johnson her traveling companion; other family and friends.

            Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Clintonian “Tony” Rivers; siblings, Betty Snipes Jamison, Kenneth Washington and Janice Tillman Cox.

            The family will greet friends on Saturday, April 18, 2026 from 10:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Antioch Baptist Church, 111 Funston Street, Youngstown, OH.  A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m.

            Ministry of comfort and dignity entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

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