Bertha McCollum

BERTHA MAE McCOLLUM, daughter of the late Reverend Archie Belton Harlee and Annie Jane Everett Harlee, was born on September 22, 1920, in Robeson County, North Carolina. She was the sixth of fourteen children. Bertha Mae departed this life after a lengthy illness on November 17, 2011. She married the late Frederick “Shack” McCollum in Robeson County, North Carolina. To the union two children were born Diane McCollum and Gregory McCollum, both preceded her in death. Bertha Mae was educated in the Robeson County Public School system. She received her Christian Education under the tutorage of her father, Reverend Archie Belton Harlee She continued her spiritual enlightenment at the New Friendship Baptist Church located in Baltimore, Maryland, under the leadership of the late Reverend Joseph Culp. After his demise, Reverend Ralph D. White became her spiritual guide. Though he relocated to Windsor, North Carolina, he never neglected his spiritual commitment to her. Her spiritual development continued directed by the present Pastor Michael W. Palmer, Sr., also of New Friendship Baptist Church. Bertha Mae was a diligent servant in her Church until her illness prevented her from doing so. Her melodious voice rang out joyfully in the Culp’s Jubilee. She served on the Missionary Board, was a dedicated member of the Food Pantry Committee and she was a tenacious member of the Telephone Prayer Committee. Her religious endeavors was not limited to herself, Bertha Mae shared her love of God and Church with her granddaughters Tawanda and Monica, great grandsons Mark, Quran, Karel and two young men she embraced as sons, Tony and Jack. “Pops” as various family members affectionately called her was an ambitious and industrious entrepreneur. She and her devoted husband “Shack” owned a restaurant for a brief period serving delectable soul food, with special requests for her sweet potato pies. Bertha Mae was a hairstylist and seamstress At the age of fifty-five, with love, compassion and understanding, Bertha Mae reared her beloved granddaughter, Tawanda “T” Wilkens, daughter of the late Diane and Austin Wilkens. Her tenacity and determination motivated her to raise her granddaughter under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Bertha Mae stimulated “T’s” spiritual development by keeping her in Sunday School, thus ensuring that she actively participated in the New Friendship Baptist Church Youth Ministry and other Church activities. “T” and Bertha Mae shared a special bond that sealed their devotion and commitment to each other. Loving and caring for her Grandma during her lengthy illness was not a laborious task. Gentle patience, constant encouragement, sincerity and honesty were the nurturing ingredients in their relationship. Bertha Mae was an illustrious woman who left a legacy of love and a testimony of hope in the Lord. Uplifting and her encouraging words will embrace her memory, she often stated, “… I thank the Lord as well as it is...” On the other hand, if asked a question and she gave an answer, she would end her statement with the following words, “… And that’s the truth...” Her grandchildren, Mark, Quran, Karel and Monica also defined the word “LOVE” for Bertha Mae. Her devotion to them epidermises the depth of love a grandmother embraces for her grandchildren. Anthony “Tony” Cox, held a special place in Bertha Mae’s heart. Many times, he would carry her up the steps when she could not walk and he spent quiet moments with her while she reminisced about the past Often they would laugh at the stories Bertha Mae would tell about her childhood or her siblings. In the words of the songwriter J. B. F. Wright, “Precious Memories How They Linger, how they flood my soul; in the still of the midnight, Precious, sacred scenes unfold.” Eleven siblings preceded her in death: Ben F. Harlee, Sr., Brooklyn Harlee Sr., John Archie Harlee, Linwood Harlee, George Harlee, and Samuel Harlee; five sisters, Estelle Chavis, Leola McNair, Luretha McCall, Mary Jane Harlee, and Annie Ruth Powell. Bertha Mae leaves to cherish her memory: two granddaughters, Tawanda “T” Wilkens and Monica McCollum; three great grandsons, Mark Williams, Quran Cox and Karel Cox; one sister, Annie Mae Williams; one brother, John Walter Harlee; two sisters-in-law, Alice Harlee and Sarah Harlee; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including a godson, Wade and a special friend, Gladys Cox.

Tributes

Bertha McCollum

September 22, 1920 - November 17, 2011