Bertha May Anderson

Bertha May Anderson, a beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend was born on July 31, 1936 in Richmond, Virginia to the late Ernest Walter and Bertha Speller Anderson. On November, 29, 2012, at the age of 76, Bertha entered eternal life and went to be with the Lord. She was preceded in her death by her parents, her sisters: Amanda A. Pryor, Marian A. Lewis, and Virginia Ryan and brothers; Everette, Horace, and Harold Anderson. Bertha, affectionately known as “Chubby,” to her family and close friends, passionately loved, cared for, and devoted herself unselfishly to her family. Upon the passing of her parents, Bertha, assumed the responsibility of caring for her younger brothers and sister. Bertha accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithfully devoted member of Bethlehem Baptist Church of Richmond, Virginia, where she was an active member for more than sixty-five years. She participated in several ministries including: the Janie Jennings Bible School Class, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Teacher, Willing Workers, Voices of Bethlehem, and various other church committees and ministries. Most notably, she was an original member of the Randolph Memorial Choir. Bertha graduated from Armstrong High School and was a proud alumna of the Class of 1955. She was employed for many years at Hilbert’s Optical Company and later at the Senior Connections, Capital Area Agency on Aging where she remained employed until her recent illness. She was a member of several organizations and social clubs including the Eastern Stars and the Richmond Royals Chapter of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed being active in her beloved Church Hill community, serving as Block Captain of the Oakwood Avenue Neighborhood Watch. Bertha had a generous heart and nurturing spirit. She was an organizer, resourceful, always ready to extend a hand, and ensured everything was done. She loved hosting a post-Thanksgiving gathering at her home for her family and friends, and enjoyed planning the annual summer family reunion. She was a friend to many and maintained a special bond with a group of her childhood friends; Barbara Pitts, Antoinette Edwards, Alberta Johnson, Stephenson Miles, Ellen Jones, and Simone Sills. Bertha leaves to cherish her memory; her sisters, Doris A. Stokes and Gwendolyn A. Pitts (Ethan); brothers; Reverend E. Walter (Lois), James R. (Constance), Reginald N., Herbert M. (Emma) and Lewis H. Anderson; sisters-in-law, Delois Anderson, Freda Anderson, and Lauritta Anderson, along with a host of beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins; Barrington Anderson of Washington, D.C., Darnell (Wendi) Anderson, of Maryland; other extended relatives, and special friends including her lifelong friends; Barbara Pitts and Dennis McKensey, Jr.

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Bertha May Anderson

July 31, 1936 - November 29, 2012