Bertha Morton Lewis

Bertha "Sister" Morton Lewis,79,of Quinton,Virginia,died February 28, 2009 in Richmond, Virginia. She was born July 21,1929 in York County,Virginia to the late Grover Cleveland and Susie Tyler Morton.Her husband,Nathaniel H. Lewis,her son,Reverend Nathaniel Todd Lewis,her grandson,Randy Arnold Hathaway,her brothers,Ray Ellis and Ulyses Morton preceded her in death.She attended public schools in York County and graduated from Bruton Heights High School. She attended the Apex School of Beauty in Richmond,VA,where she received her certificate in Cosmetology.She met and married the late Nathaniel H. Lewis of New Kent County and to their union three children were born,Elder Dr. Sylvia Lewis Hathaway,Reverend Dr. Cynthia Lewis Gaines and the late Reverend Nathaniel Todd Lewis. She gained three more children,two son-in-laws,Reverend Milton A. Hathaway and Deacon Frankie A. Gaines,and her daughter-in-law,Barbara Roane Lewis. She was the proud grandmother of Rodney,Randy(deceased),and Angela Hathaway,Ti`Anna Brown and Tiffany Gaines and the proud great grandmother of Jordan,Joshua,Julia and Alyvia Hathaway,Taylor Gaines,Michael Jr.,Tamia Pickett and Paul Morton.Growing up as a child in York County,Bertha joined the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. She had a tremendous love for singing and sang in several choirs while a member of Mt. Pilgrim. She was also a member of her high school choir. In the 70's she joined the Second Liberty Baptist Church in Quinton,VA.,where she remained a faithful and active member until her health declined.Following her love for singing while at Second Liberty,she sang in the Senior Choir,the Second Senior Choir,the Mass Choir and the Voices of Liberty. She also served on the usher board and volunteered in many capacities in the church,including visting and caring for the sick and shut-ins of our community.As an active member of the community,Bertha was a plaintiff and signer of the petition in the Green vs. New Kent County School Board Supreme Court Case,which led to the desegregation od the schools in New Kent County as well as across this country. She was a 4-H leader,school volunteer,Brown Bag Program volunteer,member of the Highlight Women's Club,Civic League,NAACP,PTA,Oak Grove Alumni and the Happy Doers Women's Club.Bertha belived in education and self-betterment,which she always tried to instill in her children and grand children. She loved to travel,loved people and had many friends. She was known for her jolliness,pleasant smile,and most of all her unique style of laughter.Even in her illness,every now and then we could get one of those laughs out of her.She is survived by two daughters,Dr. Sylvia Hathaway(Milton),Rev. Dr. Cynthia Gaines(Frankie),daughter-in-law,Barbara Lewis,Four grandchildren,Rodney Hathaway(Tamika),Angela Hathaway,Ti`Anna Brown and Tiffany Gaines.Eight Great Grandchildren Jordan,Joshua,Julia and Alyvia Hathaway,Michael and Tamia Pickett,Paul Morton and Taylor Gaines.Brother,Alton Monton,Sr.,Sisters-in-law,Deaconess Henrietta Morton,Deaconess Iola Scott(Dea. Julius)and a host of nieces,nephews,other relatives and friends.

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Bertha Morton Lewis

July 21, 1929 - February 28, 2009