University Community Extends Sympathy to Family of Former Congressman Marion Berry
JONESBORO – The Arkansas State University community extends sympathy to the family, friends and associates of former U.S. Representative Marion Berry of Gillett, who died Friday.
Berry was elected to seven terms representing the First Congressional District of Arkansas, 1997-2011.
The Marion and Carolyn Berry Endowed Scholarship in Public Service at A-State was established by friends and associates who built an endowment to support outstanding students pursuing policy making and public service through an internship with a member of Congress.
The Arkansas State University System Board of Trustees named the Marion Berry Parkway in his honor on Dec. 12, 2008, in recognition of Berry’s longtime support for the university and for his assistance with what was initially known as the westside overpass project.
Berry was invited to serve as guest speaker for A-State’s Spring Commencement ceremonies in 1999 and in 2010. At the latter, the university awarded him the Honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Before his election, Berry served his community and his country in several capacities, including alderman in Gillett; a member of the Arkansas Soil and Water Conservation Commission; a member of the White House Domestic Policy Council; and Special Assistant to the President for Agricultural Trade and Food Assistance.
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has ordered the U.S. and Arkansas flags to be flown at half-staff until the day of interment.
The university will light the Dean B. Ellis Library clock tower scarlet Tuesday evening, May 23, in tribute to Berry and his contributions to Arkansas State, the First Congressional District, and Arkansas. A memorial service will be held June 24 in Gillett. The obituary is online.
