Biography: Arminta Jane Berry, age 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 11, 2020.  She was born March 22, 1926 in the small town of Leslie, Arkansas to Lillian and Oscar Nichols, delivered into this world by her grandfather and town doctor/veterinarian  Dr. James O. Cotton.

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 55 years, Stanley Berry.

After moving to Little Rock in 1931, she pursued an education and life in the music and arts starting with graduating from Mount Saint Mary in 1944 where she developed several lifelong friends, so noteworthy in her childrens' lives.  After beginning college at Our Lady of the Lake College, she graduated from Lindenwood College in 1948.   Arminta returned to  Little Rock where she began a  brief career as a commercial advertising artist, first for Kempner Shoe store, and then with the Arkansas Democrat newspaper where she met the love of her life, Stanley.  After marrying in 1950, Arminta settled down to raise a family and volunteer in various organizations before beginning a career in teaching elementary education in public and private Little Rock schools from 1966 thru 1976.

Arminta participated in many organizations in Little Rock, starting as a charter member of the Toastmasters Club.  She had a long tenure playing second violin for the Arkansas Symphony throughout its duration as a community orchestra of unpaid professionals, after which she continued to play with the UALR community symphony.  Arminta further pursued interests with the Arkansas Opera and singing in the church choir.  She was also a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She enjoyed expressing herself as an artist in watercolors and china painting.  She left many works to be appreciated, as well as a legacy of talent in art and music with her grandchildren. She was an avid reader, especially mysteries.  Almost to her last day she was reading novels, and passed this love of reading to her children.

Arminta was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church for 65 years.  She is survived by all three children. Keith Berry (Susan), Leslie Lynne Berry, and Craig Berry (Marian); four grandchildren including Laura Gentzel, Spencer Berry, Jackson Berry, and Rebecca Berry; and two great-granddaughters Elizabeth and Charlotte Gentzel.  We would also like to thank her wonderful caregivers Mary Healey and Cihen Tan who lovingly cared for her in her last years.

There will be a visitation at Ruebel Funeral Home on Markham Street on Tuesday evening, March 17th, from 6:00 -8:00 P.M. and a public graveside service (open to all) on Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 P.M. at Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery on Highway 5/Stagecoach Rd.  A memorial service will be scheduled at a future date.

Please feel free to make a donation in lieu of flowers to: Stanley and Arminta Berry Music and Arts Scholarship Fund, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Foundation, 4823 Woodlawn Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205.