Blanche Leona Watts Berry passed away peacefully at 100 years of age on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at her daughter's home on Sugar Mountain, NC. Both of her daughters, Vickie and Karen, cared for her in recent years and were by her side at the time of her passing.
She was the daughter of Zela Chapman Watts and John Furman Watts, with ancestors of proud and strong heritage from the South Mountains of Southern Burke County, NC.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ned Gray Berry, her parents, her eight siblings (Earnest, William, John Ervin, Jack, and Herman Watts; Beulah Smith, Luella Wilson, and Betty Secrest), and her nephews Gerald Smith and Marvin Watts.
She is survived by her daughters Vickie Berry Bowman (Jack Bowman) and Karen Berry (Annette Vinding); her granddaughter Kyle Todd- Hartzog (Logan Hartzog); and her great grandson Grayson Hartzog. Blanche had many cherished in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Ned and Blanche built their home on the historic Berry farm (circa 1830) in Valdese, NC, where they raised two daughters, crops, gardens, cattle, and horses. The family enjoyed many great vacations. Ned and Blanche were known to ramble back roads and swim in headwater streams. Blanche especially enjoyed snow and sleding.
They attended Enon Baptist Church, where Blanche's Sunday school class was especially important to her. Family on both sides remained tight-knit, sharing many memorable visits and gatherings over the years. Blanche—who often joked she wished her name was "Spicy"—was level-headed, smart, strong, independent, and fiercely protective of her family. She was dearly loved by all who knew her.
There will be a private burial at Enon Baptist Church for immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Enon Baptist Church, Morganton NC.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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