Lynne Berry

On September 15, 1946, June Lynne Atkinson was born to The Reverend Ralph Atkinson and Ruth Atkinson at Emory University in Atlanta GA. Her arrival into this world was significant because she was blessed with she called her "womb-mate", her fraternal twin brother, James Larry Atkinson. From the very start, they did everything together. Their father, a Naval Chaplain and Methodist Minister, moved them frequently and so Lynne and Larry attended many different schools, learning to make friends easily. Lynne attended McCormick High School and was a cheerleader, Senior Class Secretary, Glee Club, Miss McCormick County first runner up, voted Senior Class "Most Popular" (an award shared with her twin brother, Larry), editor of the school paper and yearbook staff.

Lynne graduated from Spartanburg Methodist College where she was Secretary of the Freshman Class, Vice-President of Phi Beta Lambda, Member of the Methodist Student Movement, Glee Club and a cheerleader.

Lynne married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Faulkner in December 1967 and had two daughters, Amy and Tara. She was a wonderful mother and loved her girls more than anything. She loved to smock little dresses and paint barrettes. Before her two daughters entered school, Lynne enjoyed caring for them at home. She was an accomplished home-maker, baking and sewing for friends and family. Lynne taught Sunday school and was a substitute teacher at Wilson Hall in Sumter, SC. When her family moved to Clemson, SC her circle of friends included the wives of other football and basketball coaches from Clemson University. They were a close group of women, playing bridge and taking turns hosting Gourmet Club.

Once the girls went off the school, Lynne worked as a dental assistant. Then when the family moved to Charlotte, she obtained her real estate license and worked for Allen Tate.

In 1989, Lynne married her soul-mate, Bruce Berry who preceded her in death. They were very happily married for 26 years. Their "Happy Place" was Ocean Isle Beach, where they had a second home and enjoyed their happiest times with friends and family. During their marriage, they welcomed two son-in-law, Stuart and Vince and four grandchildren into their lives. Lynne's most coveted role was being "Mimi". She adored each grandchild and spoiled them with popsicles and elaborate Easter baskets.

Lynne will be greatly missed by; her daughters, Amy and Tara; grandchildren Mabry Sumner, Braeden McAlister, Ainsley Sumner and Kelsea McAlister; her brother, Larry Atkinson and sister-in law Ann, nieces Camille, Emily and Rebecca A service will be held in her honor on Friday, January 5th at 3:00 pm at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to www.clairesarmy.org, a foundation in honor of her great niece, Claire Elizabeth Ratliff.

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