STATESBORO, GEORGIA—Mr. Kelly Shumpert Berry, age 50, died Saturday, June 3, 2023, at his residence under the care of Ogeechee Area Hospice.
Kelly was born in Florence, SC, and reared in Latta, SC. He was a 1989 graduate of Latta High School. He later received his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from Coastal Carolina University. During his time at Coastal Carolina, Kelly was employed with the Gatlin Brothers Theatre in Myrtle Beach, which later became All American Theatre, as a technical director until 1999. Kelly taught at William and Mary for a semester, until August of 2000, when he moved to Hawaii where he attended University of Hawaii. He also graduated and received his Master in Fine Arts from the University of Hawaii. In 2003, he moved to Statesboro, GA. and began his career with Georgia Southern University as a Professor of Theatre and was the Director of Theatre at the time of his death. Kelly was active in many organizations, including the Averitt Center for the Arts where he served in many capacities and offices; he had served as the President for the past two years. He was a member of the Bulloch County Historical Association. Kelly was involved with many organizations and theatres along the East coast and Hawaii where he was part of the O’HIA Family in Hawaii.
Kelly’s many students touched his life and he did theirs as well.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Frances Shumpert Berry, and his aunt and uncle, Eula and Bob Berry.
Surviving are his wife, Holly Keistler-Pate Berry, of Statesboro; a daughter, Skylar Brianna Berry, of Statesboro; his father, James Strom Berry, Sr. of Latta, SC; a brother and sister-in-law, James Strom Berry, Jr. and Shannon, and their children, Kaitlyn and Logan, all of Lexington, SC; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Robert James Pate and Carole Elizabeth Keistler-Pate, of Georgetown, SC; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John Hampton Hendrick (Kerri), of Charleston, SC; two sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Angela and Mark Chandler, of Pawley’s Island, SC, and Meredith and Scott Bottar of Columbia, SC; his special extended family, Sue and Dennis Ashley of Honea Path, SC; his dear friend, Dan Gelbman, of Miami, FL and several aunt, uncles and cousins, including his special cousin, Lenore Musick, and her husband, Wren, and their children of Atlanta.
A celebration service of Kelly’s life was Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home. The family received visitors following the service.
Following the service, a casual reception was held by the family at 803 Breckenridge Court, Statesboro, GA 30461.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA. 30459.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
