Bertha E. Young

BERTHA ELLEN PEAY YOUNG, daughter of the late William Henry and Sarah Peay, was born September 22, 1913 in Chester, South Carolina. Bertha Young departed the earthly life on December 18, 2016. Mother Young was the 7th of 9 children; Maggie, Ethel, May, Henrietta, Martha, James, Minnie Bell, and Sadie, all preceded her in death. One of Mother Young's granddaughters, Diane Dredden also preceded her in death. Mother Young or Granny as she was affectionately known, was educated in the public school in Chester County South Carolina. An an early age she joined New Zion Baptist Church in Blackstock, South Carolina She taught Sunday School, and was a member of the usher board and served on the choir. June 6, 1932 Mother Young married the late John Adam Young from this union they were blessed with a son, the late James Ross Young and a daughter the late Margaret Ree Young Dredden. In January 1940 the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland. In June 1940, Mother Young joined Mount Hebron Baptist Church. She was a member of the gospel Chorus, a missionary and a trustee, Later in April 1946, she join First Emmanuel Baptist Church. She was a dedicated church worker. She was a member of the Senior Choir, President of Missionary President of the Flower Circle, and served on the Kitchen Committee, a Communion and Baptism Stewart, clean. She gave and helped tender many programs to benefit her church financially. Mother Young loved her church and was a faithful member, In 1952 the Young family moved to Oakhill Avenue in East Baltimore, Mother Young cherished the many friendships she formed with her neighbors, Mother Young took pride in her neighborhood and loved sitting outside on summer evenings talking to her neighbors. Mother Young was grateful and thankful that her neighbors looked out for her when she could no longer easily get around. Mother Young was a domestic worker. Then in the early 1960's she obtained her LPN and worked as a private duty nurse, a government employee, a day care mother and had a shelter for the poor. Mother Young Granny loved going home to South Carolina especially for the annual revival in September. Mother Young's commitment and service to her church and community is evidence by numerous awards citations, and certificates of appreciations she received. On February 28, 1962, Mother joined the Eastern Star ADA Chapter Lodge #18. She received an award from Project Haiti of Baltimore's Vicinity USA of Good Deed for Outstanding Service for Church and Community for her participation in sewing project. During her years as a Day Care Mother, she also received several citations from Mayor Kurt L. Schmoke for outstanding Day Care Mother. Granny continued to cook and take care of “business” well into her late 90's. She enjoyed her 100th birthday celebration at First Emmanuel on September 21, 2013.Family and friends also gathered for a cook out to celebrate her 103rd birthday in September, Granny had a wonderful time with family and friends. When it became difficult for granny to get around she still loved to sit outside in the summer and would set at the window in the winter so she could stay connected to her neighborhood She loved instructing her caregivers; giving them advise and pointers from her experiences as a caregiver. Mother Young leaves to cherish her memories; six grandchildren; Debra Nelson (Charles), Antoinette Fields (Earl), Joseph Dredden, Jr. Reginald Dredden, Rosalind Harris (Marvin), Michael B. Dredden (Annette), Stepdaughter Elizabeth Townes, fourteen great-grandchildren, more than thirty-five- great-great great grandchildren, three devoted nephews John Robert Peay, Henry Peay, and George(Jack) Jackson. Two nieces who were dear to her heart, Mary Lee Peay and Marion Vincent, two Godchildren Barbara Barnes and Chasitey and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Bertha E. Young

September 22, 1913 - December 18, 2016