Article from The Times-Daily

By Bernie Delinski
Staff Writer

SHEFFIELD - Rachael Berryman wasn't sure what to expect when Sheffield High School Principal Ronnie Wicks announced at a Wednesday gathering that they were about to have a dedication.

"We'll tell you a little bit more about it in a minute," he told Berryman, who was among about 50 school officials and family members at the high school's library.

Wicks then started talking about the years Berryman dedicated to the school as a librarian.

Berryman worked there from 1951 until 1993.

He then told her the reason for Wednesday's gathering: to officially name the Sheffield High School Media Center after Berryman.

She sat back in shock as the room exploded into applause.

"I thought I had left this place forever, but I guess this means I will never leave it," Berryman joked.

Former Sheffield Principal Howard Jaggers said Berryman always was willing to take on additional tasks, even difficult efforts such as serving as chairwoman of the evaluation committee, during her years as librarian.

"Thank you for being such a wonderful helpmate to all of us," Jaggers said.

Berryman pointed out numerous graduates at the gathering who were students during her years at the school.

They include Wicks and Mayor Ian Sanford.

"I loved being with you, and you've meant so much to me through the years, as have all the children who have been through Sheffield High School," she said.

Berryman added that she is honored by the dedication.

It's been an emotional couple of months for Berryman, whose husband, Leo Berryman, recently died.

In addition, she recently had brain surgery.

But as she talked about Wednesday's dedication, the old librarian in her shone through as she stood among rows of books and talked about the importance of reading.

"It remains essential," Berryman said. "I still think it is so necessary for children to hold a book in their hands and treasure the words."

Published in The Times Daily on December 19, 2002

Two years ago, Mrs. Berryman was found to have a serious health issue that required major surgery.  Her son, a Birmingham physician affiliated with St. Vincent's Medical Center, arranged to have her procedure performed there.  It was during her hospitalization that Leo, her husband of many years, died.  When she recovered from her illness she returned to Sheffield and her home, where she cared for herself with frequent visits by her other son who resides in the Shoals area.  She was quite independent, though she got around with the aid of a walker that she detested.  Her wit and charm were delightful even in the face of her failing health.  She confided to me that she gave up reading the Obituary page in the Times-Daily, "because I was afraid I'd find my own there."

SHS has honored Mrs. Berryman by naming the state of the art media center ("library" to us old-timers).  Visiting with Linda Johnson, the current director of the Rachael Berryman Media Center, I learned that Ms. Johnson worked with Mrs. Berryman when the computers and central video teaching center were brought in.  Ms. Johnson related that when the first computer arrived, Mrs. Berryman sat down and wrote out her resignation.

OBITUARY

Rachael M. Berryman