Donald M. Berry, M.D.

Donald Martin Berry, M.D., a foundational member of the medical community and lifelong Jonesboro resident has passed away after a brief illness.  

Born in Jonesboro, AR, in 1936 to parents Dr. W.E. Berry and Oma Mae Berry, Donald spent his formative years in northeast Arkansas and graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1954. Following graduation, he attended Arkansas State University and from there medical school at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis where he graduated with honors. Unlike his father before him who was the typical generalist physician of the time, Donald chose to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. Upon completing his OB-GYN residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis, Donald enlisted in the United States Air Force. Stationed at Little Rock Airforce Base, he served there providing OB-GYN services and delivering a multitude of babies to the young families stationed there. Upon completing his service in the Air Force, he fulfilled his dream of moving back to Jonesboro and founding OB-GYN Associates. This marked one of the first practices of specialty care in Jonesboro and helped make the city the important regional medical hub that it is today. During his nearly 35 years of practice, he has served as chief of staff of St. Bernards Regional Medical Center and sat on multiple committees and boards, including the board of directors of St. Bernards Villas - this, all while practicing full-time, growing OB-GYN Associates, and delivering countless babies for the community.  

As important as his medical career was to him and the community, his relationship with Jesus meant more. After giving his life to Christ in the 1970s, he was an integral member of several churches in the city including First United Methodist Church, Trinity Church, Central Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church. At each church, he served as a Sunday school teacher, governance committee member, deacon, pastor search committee, etc. He never just attended church; he served, taught, disciplined, gave, and led many to faith in Christ. His mark has been left throughout the Christian community of this city and beyond. 

Donald also loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Tate Berry, to whom he was married for 65 years; his two sons, Michael Berry, M.D., and his wife Karen of Germantown, TN, and Daren Berry and his wife Stacie of Jonesboro. He is also survived by his grandchildren who were his absolute pride and joy: Sheridan Wilks of Austin, TX; Christian Berry of New York, NY; Charlotte Berry of Waco, TX; Jenna Berry of Jonesboro; and Kaylee Berry of Jonesboro. 

A private burial is scheduled at Jonesboro Memorial Park, and a memorial service will take place at a later date.