Madlyn Israel Berkland

Madlyn Israel Berkland, 75, passed away on May 10, 2026, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Born on April 18, 1951, in Spartanburg, Madlyn was the daughter of the late Clyde Manning Israel and Lena Taylor Israel.

Madlyn was a graduate of Spartanburg High School and attended Cecils Business College for her college classes. Madlyn was a Legal Assistant for many years at the Law Office of Danny E. Adams, LLC, where she was known for her professionalism and unwavering commitment. Her role in the legal field showcased her strong nature and ability to keep everyone in line, traits that defined both her professional and personal life. 

She was considered the family record keeper. She collected all the photographs, letters, and everything to create family memories.

A faithful member of the First Baptist Spartanburg since 1980, Madlyn’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. 

She was lovingly known as “Gram” by her grandchildren, a role she cherished deeply. Family beach trips were among her favorite memories, filled with laughter and togetherness. Madlyn’s affection for animals earned her the affectionate nickname “cat lady,” as she cared tenderly for several cats at once.

Her hobbies reflected her nurturing personality. She enjoyed tending to her outdoor flowers, watching the hummingbirds and butterflies flit around her garden. She also enjoyed soap operas and recently discovered a passion for listening to audiobooks.

Madlyn is survived by her devoted husband of 45 years, Richard Douglas Berkland; her children, Richard Douglas "Doug" Berkland, Jr. of Cleveland, Ohio, Heather Berkland Todd of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Brian Manning Berkland of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Ashley Berkland VonderBecke (Ron) of Greer, South Carolina; and her grandchildren, Chandler Todd, Emily Todd, Silas Berkland, Shedrick Berkland, Adele Berkland, Olivia VonderBecke, and Ian VonderBecke. Her cherished cats, Lily and Isis, remain a testament to her loving heart.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29307. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 9:00 AM, Monday, May 18, 2026, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood Glendale Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Services to be conducted by the Rev. Seth Buckley and the Rev. Brian Redding.

Memorials may be made to Fire Pit Ranch - www.firepitranch.com, Mobile Meals - www.mobile-meals.org, First Baptist Spartanburg - www.fbs.org, or Hub City Animal Project - www.hubcityanimalproject.com

Madlyn Israel Berkland’s life was one of devotion—to her family, her work, her faith, and the simple joys that filled her days. 

Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel