Mrs. Judith Berry Emanuel

Born February 12, 1946, to Louis and Francis Berry (obm), Judi Berry Emanuel, departed this life on August 4, 2024. Judi leaves behind her husband of 52 years, Jerry, two daughters, Staci Pritchard (Michael) of Lexington, S. C. and Mandi Waters of Charleston, S. C. She was so proud of her three grandsons, Stanley, Bryton and Wyatt Waters and made it a point to attend all their sports activities and theatre productions. For more than 30 years, Judi was an educator working as a teaching assistant at Condor Elementary School and at Windsor Elementary where she created a life skills curriculum. She ended her career as secretary to the athletic director of Ridge View High School. After leaving the school environment, she became concierge/receptionist at the Crossings, now Harmony Senior Living Center. It was a job she loved to do. She was also active in her community serving as president of B'nai B'rith Women, now Jewish Women International. She was also an adult advisor to B'nai B'rith Girls (BBG), the girls' organization of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization. She loved opening her home to friends and family especially during the Jewish holidays where she would host upwards of 27 people for dinner. "There were times during family dinners when something would spark a laughing fit," said daughter Mandi, "then she'd become hysterical, laughing so hard she was unable to talk." Daughter Staci would always call Judi at 4:30 as she was heading home from work, to talk about her day. "I always looked forward to her advice and she let me vent about my frustrations on the job," she said. "She would begin a story, then get distracted and start a second story before coming back to the first one," Mandi added. "I remember when I was in the "Nutcracker," said Staci. "Mom would do my makeup, paste the felt red dots on my cheeks and put my hair in a bun. There was so much gel in my hair that it took forever to brush out. She was there with me backstage day after day for the entire production." She never missed one of Mandi's dance recitals as she drove her to competitions from the Carolinas to Florida. Recently, during a visit to Riverbanks Zoo Judi entered the goat enclosure only to be mobbed by the animals. She loved every minute of it. Geese were not one of her favorite animals. During a vacation, an irate goose chased her around the yard. The Graveside Service for Mrs. Emanuel will be held at 10 o'clock on Friday, August 9th, at Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery, 714 Blanding Street Columbia, SC, with Rabbi Erik Uriarte officiating. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. A livestream will be available under "Current Webcast" at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

Tributes

Mrs. Judith Berry Emanuel

February 12, 1946 - August 4, 2024