Berlene Ann Severino Byrum, 86, of Suffolk, Virginia, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, August 15, 2026. She was born on Wednesday, January 31, 1940 in Southampton County, Virginia. She lived her life with a heart of gold, a fiercely independent spirit, and unwavering love for her family.

Berlene was one of 5 children born to her late parents, Mary F. Murray Severino Babb and Nick Larie Severino. Along with her parents, she was also predeceased by sisters, Gloria Jean Chesley and Nellie "Valrie" McHugh; and brothers, Nickie Eugene Severino and Tommy Babb.

She was a devoted mother to her daughter, Pamela Berlene Byrum Doughtie, and her son, Mark Stanley Byrum. Her family was a major source of her pride and joy in her life. She is also survived by her sister and longtime neighbor, Mary Underwood; grandchildren, Stephania B. Wilson Munford, Eryka H. Dickens, Joshua H. Dickens, Brittany M. Palmer, Natasha L. Byrum, and Cody D. Byrum; great grandchildren, Lexis B. Munford, Madison L. Sykes, Jersy R. Byrum, Wyatt D. Boswell, Georgieana R. Boswell, and Lilyanah F. Christenbury; not to mention many others that she took in and/or claimed as her own.

Berlene lived in Suffolk for more than 30 years. Over that time, she became well known in the area because she cooked for 25 years at Oliver's Grocery, AKA Roy's & Ricky's on Holland Road in Suffolk.

Her celebration of life will be 1:30 pm, August 30, 2026 at the Bethlehem Ruritan Clubhouse, 140 Manning Road, Suffolk, Virginia 23434.