Charlotte Berry, “America’s Volunteer” Dies at 94

Asheville, NC – Charlotte Lunsford Berry, born Charlotte Marshall Jackson, January 6, 1931 in Memphis TN to James and Elizabeth Jackson died Thursday, November 7, 2025 at the age of 94 years surrounded by her loving family in Asheville, NC.

Charlotte will be remembered by her son Chip (Lewis Lunsford III) and daughter Marsha (Elizabeth Marshall Lunsford). Charlotte is survived by three grandchildren Jacob Leal, Christian Leal and Melodie Sisk.

At Charlotte’s request, funeral services will be private, for immediate family only.

Charlotte is also lovingly remembered by Joe’s children Joe E. Berry III, Paula Joseph and Agnes Dixon and grandchildren. Remembrances in memory of Charlotte Berry may be made to the Central SC Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Charlotte Berry Gave Millions and Raised Millions

Charlotte Berry, known around the world as America’s Volunteer, grew up in Memphis, TN and was introduced to the world of philanthropy by her father at age 10. Always sensitive to the needs of his community James Jackson inspired his daughter to raise money for the “Milk Fund” by performing the play “Cinderella” with her elementary school friends in their family’s backyard. She raised $13 dollars and bought 92 quarts of milk for impoverished African-American children in rural Tennessee. This early “fundraising campaign” propelled her into a lifetime of volunteerism and philanthropy. Her other childhood memories included attending Lausanne School, being active in her local Presbyterian youth group, and making family visits to her family’s ancestral home in Forks of Cypress, AL.

Charlotte is fondly remembered for her tireless commitment to serving those in need. Her early career began at Mary Baldwin College where she achieved her psychology degree performing social work throughout Virginia before returning to Memphis to marry Lewis Lunsford in 1952.  In Memphis, she worked at University of Tennessee’s Gailor Psychiatric Clinic, as a clinical social worker working with doctors, patients and families in need. Upon completing this assignment Charlotte moved to Richmond Virginia and worked for Virginia Department of Social Services where she oversaw vocational training and job placement for women emerging from poverty while Lewis attended medical college. Charlotte and Lewis then located in Madison Wisconsin for Lewis’ Internal Medicine Residency. While in Madison, Charlotte joined the Red Cross Home Services Department providing goods and services to active military, veterans and their families. The young couple then moved to Atlanta Georgia, where Charlotte served at Grady Hospital caring for indigent family in need of medical treatment while Lewis concluded his cardiology fellowship at Emory University.

Charlotte Berry was a pioneer. In 1960, after establishing a medical practice with her Lewis in Asheville, NC, she served as the first female board member of Wachovia Bank, the first female chairman of the Asheville Chapter of the American Red Cross, and the first female Chairman of the United Way of Asheville. Charlotte was a founding member of the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Vanderbilt Hospital Woman’s Auxiliary and the Pack Place Development Project at Pack Square.

In 1980, upon Lewis’ passing, Charlotte was named National Chairman of Volunteers of the American Red Cross for whom she traveled throughout North America, Europe and Asia. Her responsibility to promote Red Cross services inspired over 1 million volunteers to contribute their time and finances to international work. Her tenure with the Red Cross was followed by a national appointment to the United Way of America’s Board of Directors.

In 1991, at a national meeting of the American Red Cross, Charlotte met Joe E. Berry whom she married moving from Asheville to Columbia, SC. Her historic service to the citizens of Columbia remains unparalleled as board member, chairperson and philanthropist for higher education, human welfare, health, environmental and arts causes across South Carolina.

Charlotte Lunsford Berry, will be remembered around the world as “America’s Volunteer” having served over 150 charities for whom she raised millions of philanthropic dollars. Her countless recognitions include the American Red Cross’ Harriman Award, United Way’s Humanitarian of the Year, a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Mary Baldwin College, David H. Wilkins Award for Excellence in Civic Leadership and the prestigious Order of the Palmetto from the State of South Carolina to name only a few. In 2025, Charlotte received the President of the United States’ Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award for her work as a founding member of the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives.

Her life-time of honors and achievements also include South Carolina Business Women of Influence – Daughters of the American Revolution Award – South Carolina Philharmonic Gala Honorary Chair – Association of Fund Raising Professionals Award – Red Cross-Annual Charlotte Lunsford Berry Award – Honorary Chair – Palmetto Heart Health – Sertoma Service to Mankind Award – Honorary Chair – March of Dimes Campaign – Key to the City of Columbia – South Carolina – United Way of America – Major Gift & Planned Giving Award – Wild South Award of Distinction – Honorary Chair – Welvista Gala – Doctorate of Humane Letters – Mary Baldwin College – Blood Services Ambassador of the Year – Red Cross of Central SC – Cooperative Ministry Outstanding Community Service Award – Girl Scouts of the Congaree Area Woman of Distinction – The Order of the Palmetto – South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges – Humanitarian of the Year – United Way of the Midlands – Lifetime of Dedication to Charity & Volunteerism Award – United Way of Buncombe County – Asheville – Catherine White Norris Humanitarian Award – Family Service Center of South Carolina – Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year – National Society of Fundraising Executives Philanthropy Award – Volunteer Service Award – Historic Columbia Foundation – Columbia Urban League Humanitarian Award – Sertoma Service to Mankind Award (Local & District) – Jefferson Award – WLTX-Television – Leadership Award – American Red Cross-Central SC Chapter – Alyce Kemp DeWitt Award – United Way of the Midlands – Columbia Museum of Art Volunteer of the Year Award – Harriman Award – American National Red Cross – Silver Fox Award – Junior League of Columbia – BellSouth “Neighbor to Neighbor” Award – NSFRE Golden Philanthropy Award – Fleur de Lis Award – Alexis de Tocqueville Society – Sesquicentennial Medallion – Mary Baldwin College – Clara Barton Award – American National Red Cross – Emily Smith Medallion – Mary Baldwin College – Buncombe County Woman of the Year – Volunteer Award – American Red Cross-Carolina Division – Big “A” Award – Asheville Chamber of Commerce (First Female) – Outstanding Volunteer in Buncombe County – WKKE People-to-People Award – Volunteer Recognition Award – Asheville/Buncombe County. In 2025, Charlotte received the President of the United States’ Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award for her work as a founding member of the National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives.

Charlotte Lunsford Berry, Beloved Philanthropist & Volunteer, Dies at 94 was first posted INSIDE CHARITY

For more articles like Charlotte Lunsford Berry, Beloved Philanthropist & Volunteer, Dies at 94 VISIT HERE