Zelda Mae Berry Ford

Mrs. Zelda Mae Berry Ford, 75, transitioned on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Zelda Mae Berry Ford was born May 17, 1949, in Pontotoc, MS, to the late Arthur Berry and Rosie Lee Ware Berry. She departed this life Thursday May 15, 2025, at her residence in Pontotoc, MS.

Zelda accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of East Baptist Church in Pontotoc, MS.  She was employed at North MS Medical Center in Pontotoc for several years.

Zelda was a graduate of Pontotoc High School.  She loved dancing, giving to others in need and spending time with her grandchildren. 

Zelda deeply loved and cherished her children, and created lasting, loving memories that will forever be treasured by each of them: Haywood Ware, Jr. and wife Traci of Grand Rapids, MI, Sharon L. Ashford and husband Jerry Ashford of Troy, MI, Willie D. Pearson and wife Deonwick of  Pontotoc, MS, and Arthur Pearson, Sr. and wife Gwendolyn of Grand Rapids, MI; among those who held a special place in her heart were her beloved grandchildren; four granddaughters: Latoya Coleman, Catoria Engram, Kadejah Pearson, and Michaela Pearson; eight grandsons, Shane Cassio Ware, Haywood Ware III, Arthur Pearson, Jr., Marcus Taylor Ware, Dwayne Ward, Willie Pearson, Jr., Joshua Coleman, and Christian Hornbugor; Zelda’s  great grandchildren: Mariyah Paul Ware, Jeremyah Ware, Malaki Taylor Ware, Messiah Taylor Ware, Haywood Ware IV, Calise Harding Ware, Ryland Ware, Nevaeh Ware, Laniyah Rose Stanley, Julian Taylor Ware, Marlana Ward, Dwayne Markies Ward, Jr., Jayde Danielle Pearson, Matthew Ware, Jaeden Ware, and Nylah Ware;

six brothers: Willie Berry and wife Geneva of Charlotte, NC, Taylor Berry, Robert Berry, Jeffery Berry all of Pontotoc, MS, Harmon Berry, and Mitchell Berry and wife Lisa both of Grand Rapids, MI; two sisters: Rebecca Berry and Shirley Berry both of Grand Rapids, MI; great nephew: Rodney “Little Rock” Berry of Pontotoc, MS; special niece: Regina Fay Golden of Pontotoc, MS, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Zelda was preceded in death by her parents: Arthur Berry and Rosie Lee Ware Berry; eight brothers: Mack Berry, Jimmie Berry, Leon “Bone” Berry, Ricky Berry, Moonie Berry, Calvin Lee Berry, Lambert “Pig” Berry, and Hurbert “Chico” Berry; one sister: Ethel Mae Pegues; and grandson: Matthew Hines Ware.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 12:00 Noon, at East Baptist Church, 340 Clark Street, Pontotoc, MS  38863.

Body will lie in state one hour before service time.

Burial will take place at Pontotoc City Cemetery, Pontotoc, MS.

Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of Pontotoc, MS.