Christopher William Berry

Reprinted from the American Press 

Christopher William Berry, 48, lost his 18-month battle with cancer on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, in a Houston hospital, surrounded by his loving family. 

Chris was born Dec. 1, 1960, in Lake Charles. He was a 1978 graduate of St. Louis High School, where he was a member of the Saints tennis team for three years. He earned a tennis scholarship to the University of Oklahoma. After completing his college tennis career at McNeese State University, he worked as a tennis instructor in California, Georgia, New Hampshire and Baton Rouge. Chris coached tennis on the college level at Illinois State, the University of Texas at El Paso and the University of Texas at San Antonio. After returning to Lake Charles, he organized the Southwest Louisiana Tennis Association in 2006. In addition to his passion for tennis, Chris enjoyed running for leisure as well as competing in the Greater New Orleans Marathon races. His eagerness for education led him to graduate with a B.A. in history from McNeese, a master’s in sports psychology from Illinois State, and, most recently, a B.S. in finance from McNeese. He also served four years in the Navy. 

Chris was preceded in death by his father, Garold William “Bill” Berry. He is survived by his mother, Kathleen Fontenot Berry; five sisters, Karen Berry Crawford and husband Joe, Diane Berry Murphy and husband Jimmie, all from Lake Charles, Joan Berry Dupree and husband Harry from Covington, Susan Berry Eaton and Jean Berry Lander and husband Mac from Houston, four nieces, nine nephews, and one greatnephew. 

A gathering of family and friends will be 6-8 p.m. today, Feb. 17, at Johnson Funeral Home. A Scripture service will be at 6:30 and a rosary will follow. His memorial Mass will be celebrated from Our Lady of Queen of Heaven Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18. The Rev. Nathan Long will officiate. 

Chris’s family would like to thank the staff of the Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, especially Dr. Marcin Bujak and the 3B staff members for their compassion and extraordinary care.
   In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to cancer research or a favorite charity.
   Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome. net. 

Therese Richard Henry

Therese Richard Henry, 49, of Lake Charles died Saturday, March 14, 2009, in her residence.
   Mrs. Henry was born and raised in Lake Charles and was a graduate of St. Louis High School. She attended two years at McNeese State University. She was a cashier at Wal-Mart and was formerly a postal employee.
   Mrs. Henry enjoyed reading and loved to spend time with her family and her grandchildren. She will be most remembered for her generosity and for her love of God. “All who knew her loved her.”
   She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Donald A. Henry of Lake Charles; her parents, Windel and Salvador Tramonte Richard of Lake Charles; one son, Darrel Fontenot and wife Kimberly of Iowa; one daughter, Sara Arnold and husband Joshua of Lake Charles; four grandchildren, Landon and Logan Arnold of Lake Charles and Collin and Cadence Fontenot of Iowa; one stepson, Dana Ray Henry of LeBleu Settlement; one stepdaughter, Darla Nicole Henry of Arkansas; three stepgrandchildren, Wesley and Jed Henry and Nicholas Vincent; two brothers, Roger Richard and Rickey Richard, both of Lake Charles; numerous nieces; and a very special cousin, Judy Miller of Sulphur.
   Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, from Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. Father Herbert May will officiate. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-10 p.m. today, March 17, with a Scripture service and rosary at 6:30 p.m., and 8 a.m.-1:45 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
   Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome. net.