Elizabeth Berry Biddle

April 5, 1930 - February 15, 2022

Elizabeth (Nena) Berry Biddle April 5, 1930 – February 15, 2022 Nena was the daughter of Elizabeth and J. H. Berry. She was born and grew up in North Birmingham and later moved to Gardendale, Alabama. She graduated from Phillips High School in 1947 and Birmingham Southern College, where she was a member of Kappa Delta sorority, in 1951. Nena married her high school sweetheart, Jack Biddle III, after graduation. They would have been married 70 years on March 28th. They shared a beautiful love story even to the end as Jack was her primary caregiver during these last few years. Nena’s dedication and love to her family, especially to her devoted husband, was evident in her every word and deed. Nena taught 5th grade at North Birmingham Elementary School before moving to Arthur School. She was a beloved teacher for 30 years, and to this day her former students still reach out with stories and moments remembered from years ago with their favorite teacher, Mrs. Biddle. Her passion in life was improving mental health services in Alabama. Alongside her husband, Senator Jack Biddle, Nena saw many measures passed to help those in need and brought tremendous attention to the matter of mental health. Nena served on the Board of Directors of the Jefferson Blount St. Clair (JBS) Mental Health Authority for 28 years. Nena Biddle was appointed by Governor Don Siegelman and later by Governor Bob Riley to serve on the Board of Trustees for the State of Alabama Department of Mental Health. Nena truly devoted a major portion of her life to improving the opportunities available to those struggling with mental illness. This is particularly evident with her involvement with the 1920 Club, which is a member-run drop-in center for people in recovery from mental health illness. The Alabama Department of Mental Health honored Nena and Jack Biddle’s tireless work by naming the 1920 Club building located on Birmingham’s Southside The Jack and Nena Biddle Building. Nena was a member, as well as a former president, of the Legislative Spouses Association. She served during her husband Jack’s tenure in both the State House of Representative and the State Senate. Small in stature but large in heart and determination, Nena led well no matter the role. The City of Gardendale honored Nena as the Gardendale Citizen of the Year in 1997 for her unselfish service and dedication to a city that she held dear. She was deeply loved in her community, with many saying that they had never met anyone as kind as Nena Biddle. Nena was a lifelong member of Gardendale Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church (now Hope Community Church). She was a member and teacher of the Fellowship Sunday School Class, as well as a member of the Lenora Holt circle. She loved Jesus and served Him faithfully. Nena exemplified Christ-likeness on a constant basis. Ask anyone who met her and all will agree, she was a living example of Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Those who had the privilege of knowing Nena are fully aware that this verse from scripture describes no one more than Nena Biddle. The mark that Nena left on this earth is one of kindness and gentleness, and all who met her are better for it. Nena is survived by her husband, Jack Biddle III. She is also survived by her two children, John Biddle (Janet) and Carolyn Jan Biddle. Nena has two grandchildren, John Berry Biddle Jr. (Kristy) and Brooke Biddle. Nena has four great grandchildren, Jack, Will, Sam and Annaleigh Biddle. Nena is also survived by her sister, Carolyn Bragg, and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Friday, February 18th, from 11:00 to 1:00 at Gardendale Heritage Funeral Home with the service starting at 1:00. Interment will be immediately following at Oakwood Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to JBS Mental Health Authority, 940 Montclair Rd # 200, Birmingham, AL, 35213.