Senate Concurrent Resolution 547

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES OF THE LEGISLATURE ON THE PASSING OF FORMER MERIDIAN MAYOR CHERYL "CHERI" MERRITT BARRY, THE CITY'S FIRST FEMALE MAYOR, AND COMMENDING HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO PUBLIC EDUCATION AND HER COMMUNITY.

WHEREAS, Mayor Barry served the City of Meridian as its first female mayor from 2009 to 2013. She was also a longtime educator in the Meridian Public School District and the former Executive Director of the American Red Cross Key Chapter prior to her term as mayor; and

WHEREAS, we join the citizens of Meridian, Mississippi, in mourning the passing of former Meridian Mayor Cheryl "Cheri" Merritt Barry (68) on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024; and

WHEREAS, born April 19, 1955, to parents George and Jean Merritt, Cheri inherited all of the family drive and her business sensibility from her parents, owners of several businesses, most notably Bonnie Jeans and BJ's Alley, which Cheri later owned and managed; and

WHEREAS, Cheri immersed herself in the Meridian community at a young age. During her high school years, Cheri took to the softball diamond. She was a fierce competitor and an amazing pitcher. After graduating from Lamar High School, Cheri started her college career at Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which at the time was a women's college. Her dad thought that would be a good place for his vivacious daughter, and it was even though she had a habit of jumping on trains and sneaking in the cafeteria for ice cream. After a year, Cheri moved on to the University of Mississippi. There she joined Chi Omega and met her husband, Rick Barry. The two were married August 6, 1977; and

WHEREAS, Cheri served as the Executive Director of the Rush Foundation, which raises money to distribute to the families of hospital employees and vendors in times of need. Not only did she oversee the Foundation, but with her expertise in retail, she revamped the Rush Gift Shop; and

WHEREAS, most will remember Cheri as the first and, to date, the only female mayor of Meridian, an honor she worked hard for and an office she carried out with grace and strength. On the campaign trail, she went door-to-door often late into the night to listen to the needs of citizens. During her tenure, she was an ubiquitous presence in the Queen City. It made no difference how large or small an event was—if Mayor Barry was asked to attend, she was there; and

WHEREAS, from 2009-2013, the renovation of City Hall was completed, the 22nd Avenue overpass was improved, two city fire stations were built and the police department was relocated. As mayor, Cheri was proud of the city's relationship with the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. They partnered with the City of Meridian often, and the current City Hall Lawn Christmas tree was the result of one of those collaborations; and

WHEREAS, Cheri was honored with many accolades during her life. Among those were Junior Auxiliary Humanitarian of the Year and The Meridian Star's Woman of the Year. Old and new friends walked with Cheri throughout her life. She was the one they depended on for comfort, care, advice, deliciously prepared foods and always a good laugh. Her joy for life was never more evident than when she had the lead role in Meridian Little Theatre's production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas." Theatre guests could have attended each performance of the play's run and never seen the same show. Cheri was a natural at improv and a bright star, both on and off the stage; and

WHEREAS, Cheri is preceded in death by father, George Durrant Merritt; maternal grandparents, Alvin and Bonnie Rosenbaum; and paternal grandparents, Charles and Florrie Press. She is survived by mother, Jean Carol Rosenbaum Merritt; husband of 46 years, John Richard "Rick" Barry; children, Jennifer Barry Fowler (David), Jay Richard Barry and John Merritt Barry; siblings, Greg Alvin Merritt (Dawn) and Jeana Merritt Bennett (Bo); grandchildren, George Bass Fowler, Avery Fowler, John Hayes Fowler, Georgia Leigh Barry and John Carr Barry; and a host of extended family members and friends; and

WHEREAS, "Cheri had a huge joy for life. She left a mark on everyone she met. She was unforgettable," said her daughter Jennifer. "The gift we received from Mama was to truly learn about God." We pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen whose enormous civic energy was a wonderful legacy to all in the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the heartful condolences of the Legislature on the passing of former Meridian Mayor Cheryl "Cheri" Merritt Barry, the City's first female mayor, and commend her contributions to public education and her community.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Mayor Cheryl Barry, forwarded to the Mayor Jimmie Smith of Meridian and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.