La'Nae M. Berry

La’Nae Monique Berry was born to the late William and Naomi Berry on September 20th, 1972, in Baltimore, MD. A week shy of her 52nd birthday, La’Nae departed this world and entered eternity suddenly, quietly, and peacefully on September 13th, 2024.

La’Nae, affectionately known by her family and close friends as “Tootie,” was a Baltimore girl through and through – more specifically, an East Baltimore girl. She was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and graduated from Parkville Senior High School. Before graduating high school, she birthed her first love, Ty’Kera “Kera Girl” Marrow – a fellow Virgo and her doppelgänger. After graduating high school, La’Nae explored many employment avenues, including time spent as a bus operator with the Maryland Transit Administration and some time as an insurance auditor with BlueCross BlueShield Maryland. Most notably, and seemingly her passion, was healthcare. Shortly after graduating high school, she obtained her nursing license and worked as a licensed practical nurse until a significant injury removed her from the field. At the time of her death, she was completing her certification as a phlebotomist at the Baltimore City Community College, Liberty campus. She was passionate about her studies, practicing her technique on all her family members, and was proud of her upcoming appointment at Good Samaritan Hospital to complete her clinicals.

Some would describe La’Nae as an adventurous and nomadic spirit. She could never stay in one place too long and enjoyed the thrill of taking in new sites and environments. Throughout her life, she relocated to Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia, where she spent most of her time. Her partners in crime, her twin-flame Noel “Noey” Bundy and quiet storm Mikel “Man-Man” Sanders, explored the country with her, arm in arm.

Family was everything to La’Nae. Her bedroom was plastered with family pictures – especially of “Mooda Man,” her beloved grandson and favorite person on Earth, Kaleb. She was proud of her recent accomplishments, but becoming a grandmother and being “Nan” was her gold star. Among her other achievements and accolades, La’Nae was known and appreciated for her cooking. She bragged about her homemade piecrusts, biscuits and gravy, and coleslaw, amongst other delicacies. La’Nae was indeed an eclectic spirit, and she displayed her colorful personality in her clothing with her funky collection of sunglasses and other statement pieces and coordinated footwear and bags. Coordination was the key! In her free time, you could catch her vibing out to 80s rap, 90s house music, or some classic soul-shaking gospel.

It is no secret that La’Nae overcame many hurdles, hardships, and struggles. After battling substance abuse addiction for many years – she was boastfully proud of her sobriety. During this time, she was able to reconnect with cherished family and friends and, most importantly, fall in love with herself again. Through her experiences and recovery, she was able to cross paths with many who were blessed by her wisdom and advisement, serving as a support, guide, and shoulder for others managing addiction and the lifelong tasks of sobriety. She was a staunch advocate for mental health and would strongly advise others to seek the necessary treatment for their holistic wellness. Her story was not cloaked in shame but a beacon of hope to light the way for others. Despite health challenges that she worked to address, La’Nae had a determined “take a licking and keep on kicking” attitude. Until the day she heard the voice of God and saw her mother, Naomi, awaiting her, she was a fighter, in spirit and truth.

She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrates her life; her daughters, Dr. Ty’Kera Marrow and Noel Bundy; son, Mikel Sanders; beloved grandson, Kaleb Ndem; favorite and only sister, Lisa McClain; cherished and only niece, Elisa McClain; adored aunt, Terry Duncan-Ross; and sister-cousin, Dayle Bennett. Her brother, Mark A. Berry, preceded her in death.  Her spirit and the stories of her smile and wild laugh will live on with the host of other relatives, friends, and the people touched by her heart.