Matilene Berryman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Matilene Berryman
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| Born | 8 December 1926  Prince Edward County |
| Died | 2003 (aged 76–77) |
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Matilene Spencer Berryman (born December 8, 1920 – died May 6, 2003) was an amazing American scientist and lawyer. She loved studying the ocean and also worked as an attorney. Matilene grew up in Prince Edward County, Virginia. From a young age, she really enjoyed reading and math.
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Matilene's Early Life
Matilene Berryman was born in Darlington Heights, Virginia. Her parents were Mary and Charles Spencer. She was one of nine children in her family.
Education and Career
Matilene was very dedicated to her education. She earned a degree in mathematics from American University. Later, she got a master's degree from the University of Rhode Island. This degree focused on marine affairs, which included oceanography and sonar engineering.
Working with the Ocean
In 1957, Matilene joined the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office in Maryland. Here, she taught important courses. These classes were about ocean statistics, how the ocean moves, and underwater sound. She taught these subjects to naval officers from the U.S. and other countries.
Matilene also became a professor at the University of the District of Columbia. She taught marine science there. From 1970 to 1981, she was even the head of the Department of Environmental Sciences.
Advocating for Education
Matilene Berryman strongly believed that education was super important. This belief led her to a special role. She became a Physical Science Administrator in the President's National Council on Marine Research and Development.
In this role, she helped create job opportunities. She worked to make sure that more people from minority groups could find jobs in marine science and oceanography. She often said that education was the key to a better life.
She continued her own learning journey. She went on to earn a law degree from Howard University.
Matilene's Legal Work
Matilene Berryman became a lawyer on January 10, 1975. Soon after, she started her own law practice. She worked on cases related to civil law, environmental issues, and marine law.
Later, she focused mainly on probate law. This type of law deals with wills and estates. She also helped people with personal injury cases.
Matilene's Family
Matilene Berryman had two daughters. Her daughter D’Michele Berryman (1957-1995) was an engineer and also a lawyer. Her other daughter, Dr. Sherrill Berryman Johnson (1947-2010), was a research scholar, a dance artist, and an educator.
Later Life
Matilene Berryman passed away on May 6, 2003. She left behind a legacy of learning and helping others.
