Annie Land O'Berry

Annie Land O'Berry (1885–1944) was an activist, relief worker, and philanthropist from North Carolina. O'Berry was a native to North Carolina, growing up in Edgecombe County on a farm with her family. She was involved in women's clubs and an open member of the Democratic party. More specifically, O’Berry's endeavors in the North Carolina Emergency Relief Association, North Carolina Democratic Party, League of Women Voters, and the Women's Missionary Society at her local Presbyterian Church demonstrated her dedication to serving her community. As an academic, O'Berry was named the first honor graduate from Peace University.

Early life and education Annie Land O’Berry was born on May 28, 1885, in Edgecombe County, North Carolina, to V.W. and Mary Dawson Mayo Land. O’Berry grew up on her family plantation and enjoyed playing outdoor sports until the age of 13, when her parents died and she moved to live with her older sister in Littleton. From a young age, O’Berry was interested in and excelled at school. In grammar school O’Berry attained high marks and continued on to study at Littleton College. She then attended the William Peace University, graduating as the first honor graduate.

After graduation, O’Berry moved in with her brother, Edward Land, in Kinston. There, O’Berry was an active member of the Presbyterian Church where she organized Sunday School and was chairman of the Women's Missionary Society. In addition, as O’Berry focused on relief in her own community, she took a course on social work at Columbia University. She later went to Columbia University in order to learn more about this type of work. Three years later, in 1933, O’Berry became one of the few women to administer a state emergency relief agency as she became the administrator of the Civil Works Commission. The Civil Works Commission later became the North Carolina Emergency Relief Administration (NCERA).

Legacy O’Berry worked to help clubwomen overcome indifference to civic responsibility. She inspired them to be civic-minded and to work for the advancement of adult education. She was viewed as ‘the little soldier,’ ‘relief lady,’ and a symbol of ‘food for the hungry, homes for the weary and a new chance for the discouraged.’ Although she had no children of her own, O’Berry raised her grand-nephew and grand-niece as her own.