Advanced Senior Mother (ASM) Marla Irene Katherine (Berry) Dryer, age 68, of Coshocton, Ohio, passed away at Altercare Nursing Home of Coshocton on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. She was born January 2, 1957, to the late Willis Jr. and LaVona (Brown) Berry in Cincinnati, Ohio.
ASM Marla was a devoted member of the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob. On March 28, 1981, she married Bishop Lemuel Dryer of Coshocton, Ohio, who survives her. After graduating from Aiken High School in 1975, ASM Marla went on to earn an associate degree in Fashion Merchandising. ASM Marla spent her life as a homemaker but also worked various part-time jobs. She worked at the Supreme Council of the House of Jacob, Chase Bank, and Kno-Ho-Co. She served as a church Sunday School Teacher in Loveland, Ohio and Coshocton, Ohio. ASM Marla enjoyed sewing, decorating, shopping, and going out to eat. In her younger years, she enjoyed singing, especially with the Harps of Zion and the Bethlehem Villagers choirs. She will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Along with her husband, ASM Marla is survived by her daughters, Huldah Dryer, Janice Dryer, and Aquilla (Ishmael) Ballard, all of Coshocton; her son, Lemuel I. Dryer of Cincinnati; and her grandchildren, Audrey Cooper, Samuel Ballard, Druscilla Berry, Naomi Ballard, Andrew Berry, and LaVona Berry. She is also survived by her brothers, Elliot Berry Sr. and Timothy Berry Sr., both of Cincinnati; and a host of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other loving family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Willis Jr. and LaVona Berry; her sister, Diane Madden; and her brother, Ronald Berry Sr.
A funeral service was held at The Supreme Council of the House of Jacob, First Tabernacle on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Senior Bishop S. Joshua King officiated. Burial followed at Machpelah’s Burial Acres. Given-Dawson-Paisley Funeral Home is serving the family.