Gwenda Wilkerson Berry, 86, of Abilene, Texas, passed away Saturday, August 8, 2026, in her home surrounded by her family.

Gwenda was born December 20, 1939, in Houston, Texas, to Lilly and Ray Wilkerson. Her school years reflected the outgoing, spirited personality that would remain a defining part of her throughout her life.

Gwenda graduated from Reagan High School in Houston in 1958 and attended Sam Houston State College. While in college, she met Powell Berry on a blind date, and they married on December 29, 1960.

After Powell graduated from Texas A&M, Gwenda and Powell began their life together and started a family. They had three sons-Greg, Ray, and Dean-and spent the following years moving as Powell's career took them to different communities throughout Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

The family eventually settled in Abilene, Texas, in 1972 when Powell accepted a position with ACCO Feed, where he worked from 1972 to 1981.

Gwenda became an active and cherished part of the Abilene community.

She was president of the Jackson Elementary School PTA, secretary of the Cooper High School Booster Club, Pensadoras Club president, P.E.O. Club president, a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Alumni Association, and co-founder of the Festival of Trees benefiting the Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center. She and Powell were members of the Assembly Dance Club and the Abilene Country Club. Gwenda was a member of First Baptist Church Abilene.

Gwenda loved traveling, playing tennis and bridge, and especially treasured the friendships she developed through these activities. Her outgoing personality, warmth, and love of people continued to shine throughout her life.

Aside from her many activities and hobbies, the role she treasured most was supporting her three sons. Powell and Gwenda traveled all over Texas and beyond, happily following the Cooper Cougars, Texas A&M Aggies,

Baylor Bears, and Minnesota Vikings football teams. Proudly wearing red and blue, maroon and white, green and gold, and purple and gold, Gwenda was always their biggest fan and cheerleader.

In 1981, Powell started BML Crude Oil Marketing, while Gwenda continued to support her family and remain active in the Abilene community. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, sister-in-law, and friend who valued family above all else.

Gwenda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Powell Berry; her parents, Ray and Lilly Wilkerson; her sister, Carolyn Anderson; her brother, Elton Wilkerson; and her nephews, Jimmy and Don Anderson.

She is survived by her three sons and their families: Greg Berry and his wife, Carrie, and their three sons, Sam, Tom, and Will; Ray Berry and his wife, Molly, and their two children, Brooke and Boone; and Dean Berry and his wife, Julie, and their three children, Logan Koeljmans (Christian), Abby McMillon (Jake), and Wes Berry. She is also survived by six great-grandsons: Jack and Jones Koeijmans, and Powell, Bobby, George, and William McMillon.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 15, 2026, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church Abilene, Texas.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, the Windcrest Alzheimer's Care Center, or the charity of your choice.

The family is deeply grateful to Diamond Creek In-Home Care caregivers Janice Heggedahl, Susan Crossman, Ann Rodriguez, Becca Moreno, Heather Speckels, and Erlinda Delacruz for the kindness and loving support they provided Gwenda over the last six years.

Gwenda Berry leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, family, friendship, and a lifetime of memories shared with those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends.