Virginia Switzer Berry

June 9, 1949 - October 15, 2012

Virginia Switzer Berry, 63, of Hattiesburg, formerly of New Orleans, passed away Monday, October 15, 2012 at her home. Virginia has been an Associate Professor of Audiology in the Speech and Hearing Sciences Department at the University of Southern Mississippi for the past 20 years. A constant inspiration to hundreds of students over the years, she was a beloved mentor who later maintained strong and lasting friendships with many of those students whom she started on their career paths. She was also a dedicated member of several professional organizations, the most notable of these being the American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association by whom she was honored as Fellow of the Association two years ago, this being the highest honor bestowed by the association. Virginia is survived by her dearest friend, Bobbie Simon, and her two godsons, Daniel Simon and wife Kristi, and Jeffrey Simon and Christen. Virginia will be sadly missed by her friends, her family, and her university family as well. A memorial service is being planned to be held at the University of Southern Mississippi in coming weeks.