Carol Lee Berry

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of Carol Lee Hall Berry, age 87, of Louisville, Kentucky. Carol entered eternal rest surrounded by the affection, comfort, and presence of her beloved family.

Carol was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, and raised by her devoted and hardworking mother, Mary Hall Graf, after the untimely passing of her father, Charles Hall. Alongside her younger sister, Nancy, Carol learned early in life the values of independence, resilience, and quiet strength—qualities that would define her throughout her life. As a child, Carol delighted in the outdoors, finding joy in nature’s beauty and developing a deep appreciation for the arts that would become her lifelong passion.

Carol met the love of her life, Samuel Leo Berry, in grade school. Their story began with a playful tug on her braids and blossomed into a love that endured a lifetime. They dated through high school, where Carol shined as an aspiring singer, actor, and artist at Owensboro Catholic High School. She attended Brescia University on an arts scholarship, where her creative talents flourished. When allergies brought her singing career to an end, Sister Alberta gifted Carol her first professional art set—acrylics, oils, watercolors, and brushes—igniting a passion that would shape her legacy. From that moment on, Carol poured her heart and soul into painting.

While Sam served in the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Treasure Island in California, he hitchhiked across the country to propose to Carol. They were married on September 1, 1958, beginning a beautiful life together. Carol joined Sam in California near San Francisco, where they lived among the Sequoia forests. There, they welcomed their first children, Laura and Lynn.

Longing for their Kentucky roots, Carol and Sam returned home in the early 1960s and settled in Shively, Kentucky. Their family continued to grow with the births of Sam and later Scott. During her children’s early years, Carol was deeply involved in her community, holding leadership roles in the Shively Women’s Club, the Kentucky Federation of Women, the Louisville Art Center Crit Club, and serving as a docent at the Speed Art Museum for nearly 50 years.

Carol’s artistic career flourished after winning Best in Show in a competition sponsored by the Shively Women’s Club. She went on to receive countless awards, culminating in her recognition as one of Kentucky’s Top 100 Artists from 1900–2000. Her work was exhibited in one-person gallery shows in Paris, New York, and Chicago, and her abstract paintings and personality made her a major draw to all who attended St. James Art Festivals in Louisville. Carol’s art was commissioned by prominent organizations including Brown-Forman, Humana, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Baptist East Hospital.

In the early 1970s, the Berry family moved to a home near Iroquois Park, where Carol found endless inspiration in the four acres of forest, pond, and wildlife surrounding her. Her light-filled home and studio were designed to embrace nature, offering ever-changing views of the seasons—from spring daffodils to winter’s quiet beauty. Natural light streaming through her skylights brought her paintings to life, shifting with every change in the sun.

Ever a lifelong learner, Carol earned a BA in Art from the University of Louisville. She and Sam traveled the world together, drawing inspiration from diverse cultures, artists, and natural wonders. Known for being curious, her passions included scuba diving, microbiology, the cosmos, spirituality, meditation, and deep introspection.

Carol embraced yoga, becoming a certified instructor and teaching throughout Louisville with the Metro Parks System. She also taught water aerobics at the Southwest YMCA, inspiring countless students with her dedication to health, balance, and inner peace. Carol practiced Silva Mind Control and was known as an intuitive and compassionate healer.

Though her health declined with time, Carol maintained her dignity, optimism, and joyful spirit. Her life of creativity, exploration, and service came to a peaceful close as she entered eternal life with Jesus.

Carol’s greatest joy was her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Hall; her sister, Nancy Seed; her beloved husband, Sam Berry; and her son-in-law, Jack Nicholson. She is survived by her loving children: Laura Kiper (Chris), with grandchildren Daniel and Luke Kiper; Lynn Nicholson, with grandchildren Jay Nicholson and Taylor Nicholson Braun; Sam Berry (Sherry), with grandchildren Ashley Brown, Christina Neubauer, and Sam Berry IV; and Scott Berry (Mindy), with grandchildren Todd Ovington, Peyton Berry, and Hannah Berry. She is also survived by nine cherished great-grandchildren.

Nothing brought Carol more happiness than being surrounded by her family and friends. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit, love, and creativity live on in the hearts of all who knew her. We find comfort in the promise of a joyful reunion with her in Heaven.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Cathedral of the Assumption Catholic Church in Louisville, Kentucky, on Monday, January 19. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed immediately by the Funeral Mass from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Carol’s children have selected several of their favorite paintings to have on display at the visitation.

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