Bertha Lee Johnson

BERTHA LEE JOHNSON, known to most as Aunt Bert, was born on July 5, 1923 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Dora Main Ashby and Samuel Carter. She was the third of five children. She departed this life on Monday, September 26, 2005, after a lengthy hospital stay.She received her education in the Baltimore City Public School System. She also received a certificate from the American Red Cross for completion of a course in Red Cross Home Nursing in January 1942. On December 4, 1943 Bertha was joined in Holy Matrimony to Samuel J. Johnson, Sr. From that union, a son, Samuel J. Johnson, Jr. was born. Bertha and Sam divorced in 1951. Her many jobs included a welding job at Martin Marietta during WWII and a seamstress in a sewing factory. On November 6, 1967, Bertha was hired by the Social Security Administration. During her career she received several performance awards and letters of commendation. She was also a charter member of Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). When she really wanted to be understood, she did it in writing. By participating in the suggestion program at work and writing numerous letters to family members and organizations on issues she felt strongly about. In 1978, at age 55, Bertha wrote a letter to President Carter. She asked Jimmy if he could lower the retirement age so she could retire. She received a response thanking her for her suggestion, but was told if benefits were made available earlier, the cost of the social security program would be substantially increased. She retired from Social Security on September 19, 1984. During August of 1988 she wrote a letter to the Mass Transit Administration requesting that the bus that came up Barclay Street, stop on Barclay Street before turning on 20th Street. She explained that this would be less of a walk for the seniors who lived on the block. In her request, she stated "I do hope that you will do this for the few of us who have a need now and especially in winter during the snow. Please don't wait until winter to grant my request, could we say by next week." Aunt Bert would attempt to fix anything around the house. If she asked you to fix it and you took too long, out would come the duct tape and WD40. One may look at something she repaired and say, "Well, it doesn't look too good, but it works". She was always willing to help where she could, either with her time or money. You may have to answer 30 questions and sign a written document when requesting a loan, but eventually she would grant your request. Aunt Bert cared for many family members, neighbors and friends through sickness and death. She was the last living of her brothers and sisters. Aunt Bert is survived by: her son, Samuel Johnson, Jr.; her daughter-in-law, Dyra Johnson; one grandson, Kshon Johnson and his wife Kia; one granddaughter, Kaneisha Johnson; two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Mason Johnson; and a host of relatives, family and friends.

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Bertha Lee Johnson

July 5, 1923 - September 26, 2005