Dorothy Mae Clemmons Berryman

Dorothy Mae “Dot” Clemmons Berryman, of Elberton, GA passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 101, with her beloved daughter by her side.

Born in 1924 in Columbia, TN, Dot was the daughter of Joseph Virgil and Verna Warren Clemmons, and as a baby the family moved to Jackson, TN, the place she always called home. She was the beloved wife of the late William Martin “Bill” Berryman, Jr., with whom she had celebrated 55 years of marriage prior to his passing in 1999. Along with her parents and husband, Dot was also preceded in death by her son, Bill Berryman III; daughter, Debbie Berryman; grandson, Steven Kjartan Berryman; and her brothers: Joe Clemmons, CL Clemmons, and Bill Clemmons. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family as well as her husband’s family.

Mrs. Berryman is survived by her daughter, Sandy Berryman of Elberton; her son, Steve Berryman and wife, Zelia, of Marietta; her grandchild, Soley Berryman Kanouff and husband, Jerry Kanouff; and Soley’s mother, Maja Stefensdottir. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Kiljan and Brynja Kanouff, and several nieces and nephews.

In 1944, Dot married her high school sweetheart and the love of her life, Bill. After his service in the Air Force during WWII, they settled in Elberton in 1947 where he opened a dry-cleaning business, Star Cleaners & Laundry. After their four children were grown, Dot took care of customers at their station on the Elberton Square.

In her early years, she volunteered at Elbert Memorial Hospital as a “Gray Lady,” (affiliated with The Red Cross and so named because of their gray and white striped attire), which later became known as the “Pink Ladies.” Dot served in this capacity as long as her health permitted. Her many interests and talents included counted needlepoint, crocheting baby blankets, and making her infamous chocolate and coconut pies for family and friends.

Mrs. Dot was an avid reader, especially enjoying John Grisham’s books. She enjoyed a large genre of music, with Frank Sinatra as one of her favorites, and also loved watching Turner Classic movies in her later years. She also was a true fan of UGA football, and cheered them on at every opportunity. Through the years, a trip each summer to Daytona with four dear friends, her “Beach Buddies,” carried wonderful memories throughout Dot’s life. She and Bill loved travelling and cherished the many years they were members of the Athens Choral Society.

As a faithful Christian and devoted member of First Baptist Church, Mrs. Dot served the Lord with gladness as she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School for primary-age children, and was a vital part of the Friendship Sunday School Class. Her radiant countenance and cheerful spirit were an encouragement to all who encountered her, whether at church, at the cleaners, at the grocery store, or in her later years at The Wellness Center.

A service celebrating Mrs. Dot’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 3:00p.m. at First Baptist Church of Elberton, with the Rev. Gary Purvis officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. She will be placed in the church at 2:00p.m.

Flowers will be graciously accepted, or memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Elberton Ramp Ministry, 132 Heard Street, Elberton, GA 30635.

Online condolences may be expressed at berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Dorothy Mae “Dot” Clemmons Berryman.