Mark Berryman passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 7, 2013, after a long and courageous health battle. He was born in San Francisco, CA and spent most of his childhood in San Jose. He received his teaching credential from San Jose State University and there he met his soon to be wife of 32 years, Julia (Kelley). As newlyweds they moved to Manteca and then to Ripon where they have lived for over 30 years.
   Mark began his first teaching job at Lathrop Elementary School in 1980 and taught at Lathrop School for nearly thirty years. The last few years of his career were spent at Veritas School. Teaching was his joy and passion and he especially loved going to science camp almost every year. He was also active in the Manteca Educators Association.
   Mark was a committed member and deacon for many years at both First Baptist Church and Sequoia Heights Baptist Church. His church community became an extension of his family. He loved them dearly and found great joy in serving others; if he could help it there was never a need that went unmet. Mark likewise enjoyed serving through The Gideons International for over 20 years.
   Mark’s deepest joy was in time spent with his family. He loved his wife of 32 years, Julia, who also shared his passion for teaching. This passion was contagious and spread to his daughters: Rebekah Berryman (elementary education student at UOP), Amy Berryman (special-education preschool teacher in Tracy), and Dr. Elizabeth Berryman (who channeled that passion into teaching/caring for patients in Oakland, CA). He enjoyed spending vacations with his family, fishing in the Sierras, and gardening with his golden retriever by his side.
   He was preceded in death by his parents Bruce Berryman and Louis Nielson. He is survived by his wife and three daughters and his step-mother Barbara Berryman, his brother Neal Berryman, his sister Denise Berryman and many nieces and nephews. Mark’s courage, steadfast loving presence, and fighting spirit will be missed, but will live on in the many that he loved and taught.
   A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, November 16, at 5:00 pm, at Sequoia Heights Baptist Church, 1050 Union Drive, Manteca, CA 95337. Dinner to follow. Donations can be sent to The Gideons International or Jenness Park Christian Camp.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, November 12, 2013