Mother Bertha Williams

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Because I could not stop for death, death kindly stopped for me. I welcomed my departure from this land because life has been good to me. I was once told that great souls die and sometimes memories fade away, but I am leaving each of you my legacy because God has set me free. Be not dismayed whatever betide, God will take care of you, beneath His
wings of love abide, God will take care of you. This was a stronghold theme in the Williams family and will continue to be for generations to come. Mother Bertha Mae Williams was born on February 11, 1919, to the late Lila Smalls Johnson and the late Henry Johnson in Furman, South Carolina. She was the youngest of seven children which have all preceded her in death.

She was educated in the Furman Colored public school system, Hampton County, South Carolina. In her earlier years, she received Christ and joined, First Thankful Baptist Church, Estill, South Carolina. In 1961, Bertha migrated North searching for a better life for her family. She joined her sisters Rose and Julia in New York, New York. Always
remembering her spiritual foundation, the family joined Southern Baptist Church in New York City. In 1980, which was several years after the death of her husband, she moved her family to Savannah, Georgia searching for a life of peace and tranquility. She was employed at the Desoto Hotel for many years. in 1984, she joined the First Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverend Nathaniel Smalls and continued her membership under Reverend Glasper Nero and currently Reverend Shannon Smith. She served faithfully as a member
of the Willing Workers Ministry until her health began to fail. Although in later years, she was unable to attend church, she was closely in contact with Mother Lula Days and other ministry members.

In her leisure, she enjoyed playing the Lotto, watching soap operas, and baseball. While livings in New York, she enjoyed watching the New York Mets. When she moved to Savannah, she fell in love with the Braves. Bertha loved her family; they were her pride and joy. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends in her home. She enjoyed cooking;a few of her special dishes were Macaroni and Cheese and Peach Cobbler. She was an outgoing, caring, and loving individual who never met a stranger. If someone had a challenge and she had the ability to help them, she would do her best to help them. As a family, we will always remember and cherish her contagious smile. She was a strong and loving mother of twelve children.

At a young age, Bertha met and married Clarence Williams. The bible says, “Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of the Lord. These were the words of Clarence Williams, when he found Bertha Johnson, who was the love of his life. They shared a wonderful life together with their children, until his death. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they might be fourscore years (Psalm 90:10). God gave his servant Bertha thirty-three additional years because of her faith and strength. On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, Bertha answered the summon from her Heavenly Father. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; children, Pastor Verdell Williams, Rudolph Williams, and Clarence Williams, Jr.; and grandchildren, Cory and Lenard.

Bertha Mae Williams (affectionately called “Bert” by many) leaves to celebrate and cherish her life with fond memories: nine children, Willie Mae Williams of New York City, Eva K. Bowman of Irvington, New Jersey, Elder Rosa Lee (Lewis, Sr.) Albright, Curtis Williams, Mary E. Holder, Lucille Jackson, Harold Lee Williams, Herman (Rose) Williams,Sr., Rickie (Lisa) Williams all of Savannah, Georgia, grandchildren, Anthony, Joseph, Ronnie, Robert, Shaquita, Shirley, Annette, Kenyon, Janice, Darian, Jacqueline, Valerie, Yvette, Robin, Rosalyn, Gwendalyn, Carolyn, Lewis, Jr., Yvonne, Micheal, Kelvin, Curtis, Jr., Eric, Allen, Nanette, Johnnie Jr., Bruce, Kendell, Karen, Libby, Vernon, Jr., Tashana, Quanta, Harold, Loray, Herman, Jr., Devin, and Semon grandchildren, 100 great-grandchildren; several great great- grandchildren; a special friend she considered a sister, Mrs. Mary Wiley of New York City; niece, Ernestine Bulloch of Savannah, Georgia; a grand-niece, Bernice Ellis of Estill, South Carolina; special cousins, Cora, Pearl, and Ella Mae; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors who loved her too.

Due to the current state of (COVID-19) pandemic and in order to promote social distancing, anyone entering the funeral home for viewing; as well as attending all graveside or funeral service, either inside or outside, must wear a mask. We will also limit the number of persons allowed to enter the funeral home or any other facility at any given period during the viewing process.  We ask that you leave the premise upon exiting the building. The family is most appreciative to each of you for all acts of kindness shown to them during this difficult time in their lives.

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