KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Editor's Note: Violent crime is not routine, and it is not just a statistic. Behind every victim is a family and a community, and WBIR wants to make sure the people who fall victim to it are not forgotten. More than a Number is a series meant to share their stories and highlight their humanity.
Johnia Berry was a college student pursuing her master's degree at the University of Tennessee when she was murdered. She was pursuing a degree in psychology to help children.
Her life was brutally taken on Dec. 6, 2004, at around 4 a.m. Johnia was sleeping in her bedroom when a thief entered her apartment looking to steal her car keys. The thief entered Johnia's bedroom where he stabbed her.
Johnia was 21 years old. She was a daughter, a sister, a friend and a soon-to-be wife.
She was also engaged to her best friend and college sweetheart, Jason White. The pair met at East Tennessee State University. They exchanged phone numbers and soon enough made plans for their first date.
"I'm glad that she got to at least experience that part of finding someone that loved her," said Joan Berry, Johnia's mom.
Johnia knew who she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.
Her mom said Johnia was months away from saying "I do" at the altar. She said wedding plans were underway. Johnia had the guest list made, her wedding gown picked out and her brother was set to play the piano.
"She had gotten engaged the Christmas before she was murdered," Joan said.
Johnia and Jason's love was reaching a new depth. They already had their future children's names selected. The two had the type of love told in fairytales.
"It's very heartbreaking that she didn't get to finish her life and get to see her wedding," Joan said. "She was the light of our life."
Johnia's last picture was taken on her 21st birthday. Her mom said every holiday and birthday since her death remains difficult.
Almost 20 years since Johnia was killed, and her name and story continue to live on. Johnia would have turned 41 years old on Aug. 26.
"Her smile would just light the room up," Joan said.
Johnia's family and friends will never know the kind of life she and Jason would have built. But one thing is certain — the affectionate smile and light she left in others.
"I think she would have made a difference in the world," Joan said.
Johnia's legacy continues to live on through state law. Her parents advocated for the Johnia Berry Act. It requires anyone arrested for a violent crime to have a sample of their DNA collected, which can be used to cross-reference evidence in crimes.
Her mother also runs HOPE for Victims, a nonprofit organization. It helps families and victims of violent crimes.