Bertha White Obituary by Jaylite Publications

Life

Reflections

Bertha White was born April 18, 1927 in Saint Louis, Missouri. She was the youngest of five children. She was preceded in death by her mother, Ida Johnson; three sisters, Ruby Beard, Nevada Henderson, and Elnora Boyd; a brother, Willie Stevenson; husband Willie Bee White; two children, Ruby Gaston and Michael White; and two grandchildren, Anthony McCottrell and Patrick Brown. Bertha received her elementary education at St. Nicholas Catholic Grade School, and she was a member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church. She graduated from Sumner High School in St. Louis, Missouri where she was the lead majorette in the marching band. In June 1950, she moved to East St. Louis, Illinois and became a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church. When St. Augustine closed, she joined St. Joseph Catholic Church. As a young woman, Bertha received Jesus Christ as her personal savior. Her Christian experience shaped not only her life, but also the lives of her family. She loved her family and spent her life demonstrating that love. In June 1973, she joined the New Sunny Mount M.B. church in St. Louis, Missouri under the leadership of the late Rev. C.B. Brookins, then under the leadership of Rev. Donald Hunter. She served as Secretary and Treasurer on the Senior Ushers Board, a member of the Chancellor Choir, the Pastor’s Aide and kitchen committee. She also served as Supervisor of Junior Usher Board for many years. Bertha later moved her membership to Mount Sinai M.B. Church in East St. Louis, Illinois under the leadership of Rev. Herman Watson Sr. She volunteered and worked in various ministries, while an active member of the church. She served as President at one time for the Christian Women’s Ministry, Senior Citizens of Mt. Sinai, Greeters and the Mother’s Board. She also served as a Sunday School Teacher and a member of the Kitchen Committee. Bertha had a servant’s heart that was even demonstrated in her employment. Her employment career began at the St. Louis Candle and Wax Co., at an early age. She then started her career of serving people with the City of East St. Louis, in the Community Development Department for ten years. She wanted to do more for her community, so she continued her education, and attended State Community College in East St. Louis, Illinois where she earned certifications in social services and business administration. She then began her 19-year career with the Department of Public Aid, as a Caseworker and an Eligibility Specialist. She was active in civic and social causes within her community for many years. She was a Liaison for the Welfare Rights Organization, former President and Treasurer for the United Front Organization. She was also a volunteer for the New Wave Organization, Leslie Bates Organization, Cancer Organization and Hospice Care. Bertha enjoyed serving others and helping when and wherever she could. Bertha was a social butterfly. She loved meeting with her special club members (who she affectionately called “my girls”) to play bingo, Pokeno and of course chit chat. She loved and looked forward to these gatherings. She was known as “Granny” to many. Her home and kitchen were open to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Everyone looked forward to her fried pies every holiday season. Celebrating her life and cherished memories are her children – Pamela (Dwayne) Harris, Edward (Nicconda) White and Francelle White. Grandchildren – Andrea (Joseph) Robinson, Sydney Roby and Joshua Roby. God Daughter – Edna Sain, God Sons Komunyaka Branch and Zakee Branch, and her many adopted grandchildren that affectionately called her Granny; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Prelude Processional

Order ofService

Officiant................................................................................................................................................................................. Pastor Paula Boddie Healing Waters Christian Church

Prayer.................................................................................................................................................................................... Deacon Paul Hinton Prince of Peace Church

Scripture Reading Old/New Scripture..................................................................................................................................Fabeion Crenshaw

First Freewill Baptist Church

Selection............................................................................................................................................................................................. Shari Demby Resurrection Church of Los Angeles

Special Remarks......................................................................... (3 minutes)................................................................. Pastor Herman Watson

Mt. Sinai M.B. Church

Elder Michael Whitfield The Clinic Deliverance and Worship Center

Frank Smith Chairman, ESTL Democratic Central Committee

Special Remarks......................................................................... (3 minutes).............................................................Pastor Willie E. Kilpatrick

Prince of Peace Church

Bishop Wyatt I. Greenlee

Glory to Glory Christian Church

Special Presentation..................................................................................................................................... The Honorable Robert Eastern III Mayor, East Saint Louis, Illinois

Acknowledgements & Condolences Selection............................................................................................................................................................................................. Twyla Baylor Faith Miracle Temple

Life Reflections........................................................................... Soft Music.................................................................................... Read Silently Selection............................................................................................................................................................................................. Shari Demby Resurrection Church of Los Angeles

Eulogy.........................................................................................................................................................................Pastor Joseph C. Robinson Resurrection Church of Los Angeles

Parting View Benediction Recessional

Interment

Sunset Gardens of Memory â&#x20AC;˘ Millstadt, Illinois

Acknowledgement

The family of Mrs. Bertha White wishes to express our sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation for your many acts of love and kindness during this time of our great loss. Your concern has been a source of our strength and we are very grateful for the comfort you have extended to our family. May God bless each of you.

PRAYER

I Do Not Go Alone If Death should beckon me with outstretched hands and whisper softly of an “unknown land” I shall not be afraid to go for though the path I do not know. I will take Death’s hand without fear for He who safely brought me here will also take me safely back and though in many things I lack He will not let me go alone into the valley that is “unknown.” So, I reach out and take Death’s hand and journey to the “Promised Land”.

Tribute to our Mother and Grandmother

We are so proud to be your children and grandchildren. The older we became, the more we realized how blessed we were to have someone like you in our lives. You gave us the guidance of a mother, the wisdom of a grandmother and the companionship of a friend. You set a wonderful example of putting your family first. We just want to tell you how thankful we are for the close relationship that each one of us shared with you. As you always said, “I’ve lived a good life” and we thank God for allowing us to be a part of that good life with you. We will always be proud to call you Mother and Grandmother.

Pam, Ed, Nettie, Monique, Sydney and Joshua

Edward White

Pallbearers

Joshua Roby

Rechard Williams

Orlando Edwards

Lance Allen

Dino White

Honorary Pallbearers Paul Hinton

Cortez Stacker

Anthony Neely

Komunyaka Branch

Professional Services Entrusted To:

Cotton Branch Mortuary, Inc.

118 N. Florissant Road • Ferguson, Missouri 63135 • (314) 521-2455