Uncrowned Community Builders

Born Juanita Cameron in Chipley, Ga., Mrs. DeBerry came to Buffalo with her family as an infant. She was a graduate of Hutchinson-Central High School and Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee.

She taught at School 31 for 27 years, first as a sixth-grade language arts teacher and then as a second-grade teacher, and made a strong impact on her students. Long after her retirement ""She still would get Christmas cards and birthday cards from some of her students,"" her daughter Virginia DeBerry said. She added, ""Her grandson said it best: 'Gram got you to do the right thing not because you were afraid to be punished, but because you were afraid to disappoint her.'""

After retiring, Mrs. DeBerry was a member and served on the board of the Buffalo Retired Teachers Association. She loved music and, at age 13, won a city singing competition. She later performed with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra as part of its Sounds of the City program. She also was a principal soloist for more than 60 years at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, where she was a lifelong member.

Mrs. DeBerry joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in 1940 and was a charter member of Xi Epsilon Omega, the Amherst chapter. Her service as a member of the sorority spanned more than 50 years and earned her the designation of a ""Golden Soror"". She also was a member of the Christian Women's Association.

Her husband, John L., died in 1984. In addition to her daughter Virginia, she is survived by another daughter, Valerie; and a son, Dr. John L. III.