Beryl E. Wade

The Honorable Beryl Elaine Wade, born on July 1, 1956, in Wilmington, NC, was the beloved only child of Dr. Clarence W.R. Wade and the late Geneva Smith Wade. Her first year of life was spent on the campus of St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC where her father taught, before her family moved to Washington, DC. There, Beryl received her primary education and embarked on her faith journey, becoming an active member of Northeastern Presbyterian Church. Beryl's upbringing on Buchanan Street NE, Washington, DC, was described by her as "magical." Despite being an only child, she was a part of a tight-knit community and developed lifelong friendships. Her summers were spent at her beloved Camp Atwater where she was a camper and a counselor. Her large extended family and countless family gatherings, filled with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, shaped her life immensely. She had a remarkable gift for connecting people from all corners of her life–individuals who might never have met if not for the common thread of Beryl. A testament to her intelligence, Beryl graduated from Stoneridge High School early and pursued a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in zoology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She continued her education at the University of Michigan Law School, earning her Juris Doctor degree. There she was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. After passing the North Carolina Bar Exam, Beryl began her distinguished legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for Cumberland County, later serving as an instructor at the NC Justice Academy, and police legal advisor for the Fayetteville Police Department. She then served as legislative counsel to Governor Jim Hunt for two terms. Despite facing health challenges beginning at 30, Beryl's unwavering dedication led to her appointment as an Administrative Law Judge, retiring in 2006. Beryl was well-known in local and state Democratic Party politics. Perhaps the greatest testament of her political savvy and strength was her success in managing the first campaign for NC Senate powerhouse, Tony Rand. By 7 votes Rand defeated the incumbent and Beryl’s reputation as a force in the Democratic Party was sealed. She served in numerous civic, charitable, and professional organizations, including the NAACP, The Links, Inc., The Girl Friends, Inc., and NC Association of Black Lawyers. She also enjoyed attending the Congressional Black Caucus and catching shows at the Arena Stage with her mother. The beach was her “happy place”. She treasured her time at Topsail Beach in NC and her family's Drum Point, Maryland, beach home, where she was known for sourcing the best Maryland blue crabs and hosting parties for her life long friends. A passionate collector of African American art, her home was adorned with beautiful pieces. Beryl’s parents instilled her with gratitude and humbleness. She was committed to service and generosity, believing in the power of giving back. Her life exemplified hard work, excellence, community upliftment and most importantly, reaching back and pulling someone else up. Interment will private

Beryl E. Wade

July 1, 1956 - May 26, 2025