Robert Franklyn Berryman, one of nine children, was born to the late Howard Thomas Berryman and Josephine Estelle Berryman on September 5, 1954 in Farmville, Virginia. His earthly journey ended on March 3, 2021 in Lynchburg, Virginia.
As a young boy, Robert and his family moved to Newark, New Jersey, where he was educated in the public school system. He graduated from Newark Technical High School, he studied brick and stone masonry. Robert was adventurous, competitive and very particular about how he wanted things.
Robert later enlisted in the United States Army earning an honorable discharge. Like a true Berryman, Robert had the entrepreneurial spirit and was a jack of all trades. For instance, he owned and operated a beauty and barber shop business in East Orange, NJ. After relocating to Virginia, he did landscaping, renovations, construction and masonry. He also was a strong believer in “each one, teach one” and found joy in mentoring his nephews and others.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife (Zelda Anita Maria Fonseca), his brothers (Herbert Lee, Roy Henry and Curtis Winston), and a sister (Bessie Otelia). He leaves to cherish his memory, twin sons (Wali and Waleek Washington) and two daughters (Rajeanne and Renata Berryman). He also leaves six grandchildren (Elijah, Analis, Naijah, Niyah, Tamara and Zahira), 5 sisters (Willie Bell Thornton, Delores Irene Allen, Joyce DeJessie, Kern Gilliam, Stacey Strokes and Yolanda Gladden), one brother (Howard E. Berryman), an uncle (Charlie Solomon) an aunt (Betty Berryman) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.
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