Michael Berryman

Michael Edward Berryman departed this life on January 24, 2020. Mike was born on July 29, 1952, to the late Vincent Whitney and Thelma Otelia Berryman-Smith in Leesburg, VA. He was the oldest of five children. Sometimes in life, you get extras blessings over and over and Mike was that person. Mike met the late Dr. Robert Banner and his wife Marian, they fell in love with him and offered him a better education and more of a connection with the Equestrian world and now he had a dual family in both Virginia and Tennessee. Mike was educated in the Loudoun County Public Schools (Banneker Elementary and Douglas High School) and in Tennessee, he went to Dobyns Bennett High School and East Tennessee State University. Mike accepted Christ as a young man and became a faithful member of Friendship Baptist in Johnson City, Tennessee. He held serveral positions in the church through-out the years. He loved his church family. Mike’s world revolved around training horses for many years. When he retired, he became employed in the health care field as a caretaker for clients with developmental disabilities. He loved his job and his clients. In addition to the love for his horses, he loved his children. He had three daughters Monica and Tamara. He was also a proud grandfather who’s blessings continued to grow and his smile got bigger when Jahmar, William and Michael Aaron were born. Tamara outdid herself when she gave Aaron her fathers first name and he had no problem with letting you know he that Aaron was named after him. Then came Koryn his only granddaughter and soon after, her baby brother Camren. The smiles never stopped when Mike’s grandchildren were visiting. Lest not forget Mike’s nieces and nephews who thought the sun rose and set with uncle Mike. Mike wore many hats, he was a father, grandfather, brother, significant other, and friend. When his sisters Linda and Sharon lost their husbands, Mike was the glue that held them together with phone calls, prayers, and words of encouragement. He was always lending a helping hand. Mike met and fell in love with Myca Gray (fiancé) and planned to get married to her and move back to Virginia. Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Berryman-Smith, father, Vincent Whitney and brother, Ronald Whitney Smith. Mike leaves to cherish his loving family: Two daughters, Monica (Chris) Cannon, Winston-Salem, NC., Tamara Stevens, Johnson City, TN and step-daughter, Jeri Lyn (Thomas) Harrington, Virginia Beach, VA. Seven Grandchildren: Jahmar Adams, Johnson City, TN, William Adams, Charlotte, NC., Aaron Adams, Johnson City, TN, Koryn and Cameron Cannon, Winston/Salem NC, Austin and Patrick Harrington,Virginia Beach, VA. Five Sisters; Sharon Peterson, Middleburg, VA, Lois Smith, Annandale, VA, Linda Brooks, Upper Marlboro, MD, Bonnie Smith, Portland, ME., Nancy Inman, Purcellville, VA. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mike was a loving Father, Grandfather, Brother Uncle. Although known for his friendship and his big smile but most of all for his love of God. Those we love don't go away they walk beside us every day. Unseen, Unheard and but always near; still loved. " Precious memories never die. Funeral services will be held at 12:00pm Saturday February 1,2020 at Friendship Baptist Church in Johnson City. The family will receive friends from 11:00am until 12:00pm at the church prior to the service.

Michael Berryman

July 29, 1952 - January 24, 2020