Lesley B. Berkeley

Lesley Joyce Benner Berkeley passed away peacefully on September 10, 2023, only 3 days after her husband, Keith D. Berkeley. A Service of Celebration for both will be held in October at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church. Mrs. Berkeley was born in Ferndale, Michigan on November 1, 1932, to Ernest and Nell Benner. As a young girl her family moved to Marysville, Michigan where her father worked as a milk man, driving a horse and buggy to deliver milk. She was one of five children and loved her brothers and sisters very much and stayed close over the years. Mrs. Berkeley met the love of her life, Keith, in their church youth group. After high school, she began training as a nurse at a 3-year course at Deaconess Nursing School in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated as a Registered Nurse. She and Keith married in 1953. She began work at Mercy Hospital as a staff nurse progressing to Director of Nursing. Children began arriving (3) and Lesley began working part time as a nurse. She enjoyed working in the nursery and the neo-natal units. Lesley continued working part time well into her 60’s. She will be remembered by her family as a feisty and fun grandma, Grammie. “Guppie” her husband and “Grammie”, named by the grand children, were always ready to help with whatever their children needed. They were loved by their children and grandchildren alike and were always ready to gather together for holidays or just a weeknight dinner at their house or a restaurant and taking trips to the beach or mountains with all the children and grandchildren. Mrs. Berkeley was a member of Union United Methodist Church in Irmo, SC where she was active in her Sunday School class. She sang in the choir and played bells in the Handbell Choir. Dr. and Mrs. Berkeley led by example to be caring, loving, encouraging parents and people. They believed everyone was a child of God and deserved respect and compassion. Mrs. Berkeley is predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Keith D. Berkeley, survived by her children Sabrina (Dean) Whitecotton, Keith B. (Laura) Berkeley, John E. (Allison Remsburg) Berkeley; her grandchildren Emily Whitecotton, Meredith (Ryan) Jamison, Graydon Whitecotton, Preston (Kathleen) Berkeley, Nell Berkeley, Sydney (Matt) Roberts, and Ernie (Cody) Berkeley. Dr and Mrs. Berkeley also had four great grandchildren Henry and William Jamison, Barrett Roberts and Austen Berkeley. She adored her family and will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on in her family’s hearts and minds forever. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.