Bertha Richardson Browning

Born September 16, 1919 in Grayson County, VA, she was the daughter of the late Munsey Elbert and Mintie Halsey Richardson. She was retired from General Electric and was a member of Heritage United Methodist Church and previously Bethlehem Lutheran Church. She always felt blessed to have two church families.

Mrs. Browning is survived by her son, Robert M. “Doc” Browning of Dallas, TX; a brother, Rudolph T. Richardson of Tazewell, VA; two nieces, Kimberlee Scott Lapie and her husband Ronan of Arlington, VA and Patricia Scott Mugavero and husband Tom of Falls Church, VA. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Bertha had a very active life after retiring from G.E. She traveled extensively with “Brownie” and continued to travel after Brownie’s death. She was very involved in church volunteer work and loved her Sunday school class. Bertha volunteered as a driver for Meals on Wheels well into her 80’s. Even with her progressing dementia in her later years, Bertha was always sweet in spirit, kind to everyone, and was always looking to help as she could. She was a loving and loyal wife and mother, and she loved Jesus Christ. After the untimely death of her sister Clara, Bertha and Brownie raised Kim and Patti as their own, taking in a new family in their later years. Bertha was always very proud of her children. She had a true gift for dealing with the dying and their families, and she was actively involved in end of life care for 20 or more family members and friends throughout her lifetime. She was truly an angel of mercy for those in their final days.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel, 7404 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

A funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 2, 2017 at Heritage United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Paul Baker officiating. Interment will follow at Virginia Memorial Park in Forest.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Helping Hands Cloths Closet c/o Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 7328 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Arrangements under the direction of Whitten Timberlake Chapel, Lynchburg, VA.