The Honorable Judge Edward DeJarnette Berry              March 1, 2023

Edward DeJarnette Berry, 73, of Madison, Virginia, passed away on March 1, 2023, at his home. He was born October 5, 1949, to the late Thornton Lancaster and Nancy DeJarnette Berry.

Edward is survived by his wife, Sarah “Essie” May Berry; a son, Shawn Mason Woodfolk and wife, Ali Gentry-Woodfolk; a daughter Sarah Brown Owens and husband, Todd Owens, Sr.; grandchildren, Jeremy Owens, Jr., Esma Daniel Owens, Layla Berry Owens, and Shawn Emerson Woodfolk; brother, Thomas Henry Berry and wife, Bettie; and sister, Nan Berry Coppedge and husband, Dennis.

Nieces: Katherine “Kaci” Coppedge Daniel and husband, Scott; Clarissa Thornton Berry; Elizabeth Berry Mawyer and husband, Jamie; and Laura Coppedge DeBoer and husband, Chris. Great-nephews: Thornton Mawyer, Sam DeBoer, and Henry Mawyer; and great-nieces: Matilda Mawyer and Hannah DeBoer.

Edward was a lifetime resident of Madison County, graduating from Madison County High School in 1968.

Edward graduated from University of Richmond, T.C. Williams School of Law in 1973. He opened his law practice in Madison in 1973. He practiced law in Madison with the assistance of Jean Ann Clore for twenty years.

Edward was appointed as a Substitute Judge for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit in 1990. In 1993, he was appointed as a Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit. Edward covered Albemarle, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Louisa, Orange, and Madison.

His caring nature and concern for others allowed him to be an outstanding lawyer. The same skills were more important as a judge. He was respected by so many because of his reputation as a fair judge allowing him to reach fair and difficult decisions.

Edward took much pride in his work with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), a Child’s Voice in Court. Edward believed deeply in the value of CASA to the court system and in the lives of the children affected. Edward was instrumental in CASAs forming in other counties in the Sixteenth Judicial District and looked forward to the day they operated in all.

The Family Treatment Court is another program Edward held near and dear. His encouragement and concern for families allowed many children to be returned to their biological families. Edward’s involvement and belief in the Family Treatment Court allowed it to be one of the very best in the Commonwealth. Edward was invited to speak at several National Drug Court Conferences on the practice in Albemarle-Charlottesville.

Undeniably his grandchildren were the most special thing in his life. The devotion he had for them and them to him was unconditional. He always said when the three older grandchildren moved back to Virginia he would retire. They moved back in March 2017, and he retired in July 2017. He never looked back.

In retirement, Edward was able to restart his involvement with the Madison County Historical Society, which he so enjoyed. He continued his research of the county’s history after a lifetime of interest in the subject.

In the summer he could be seen in the kitchen during the Madison County Fair, with his green crocs making grilled cheese sandwiches and bologna sandwiches. To demonstrate his skills learned at Berry’s Grill, Edward grilled hamburgers and hot dogs for the Madison Young Farmers Tractor Pull, still with the green crocs.

On the weekend Edward and Essie could often be seen at local wineries making great memories with very dear friends and grandchildren. He enjoyed dancing to the music of South Canal Street so much he and Essie even traveled with the band to New Orleans. The memories and friendships will never be forgotten.

Edward loved to tell stories and share memories. His knowledge of Madison County history and surrounding counties was amazing. He could always tell you who was related to whom and their family history. His stories of Madison and life in general would always keep you wanting more.

The family will receive friends at the Madison American Legion Post 157, 310 Thrift Road, Madison on Sunday, March 12, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A very special thank you to ProMedica Hospice and Fannie Utz for the amazing care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Madison County Fair, Inc., P. O. Box 1071, Madison, VA 22727; or to the Madison County Historical Society, P.O. Box 467, Madison, VA 22727.