Bertha L. N. Rawls

Bertha Lee Nelson Rawls (affectionately known as “Bay”) was born April 20, 1941, in Havana, Florida (Gadsden County) to the late Ruth and Charlie Nelson. She graduated from Carter-Paramore Senior High School in Quincy, Florida. She was an African Methodist Episcopal. She was a member of the Carter-Paramore Chorus Group. In her spare time, she enjoyed kids, cooking, baking, watching Court TV and Soap Operas, and was an avid reader. Because of her late husband, David Rawls, she became a huge Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan. Bertha loved decorating for Christmas and with the aid of her niece Trail, she continued that tradition. She retired as the Secretary to the Principal in the Pinellas County School System many years ago.

Bertha loved her family and friends and she leaves behind to cherish her memories:

Children: Rhonda Barnwell (Sylvester); and Ricky Rawls (Alice)

Grandchildren, April E. Barnwell, Taurean S. Barnwell, Justin D. Barnwell, and Allyson, Ashley, Alexandria Rawls.

Sisters: Margarette Nelson, Juliet M. Nelson and Margarette S. Ferrell. She leaves a host of loving nieces, nephews, along with other loving relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband, David E. Rawls. Both parents, Ruth and Charlie Nelson, two sisters, Gloria J. Utley Straughter and Agnes Nelson: three brothers, Elder Samuel L. Nelson, Larry Nelson and most recently, Charlie L, Nelson, Jr.

A Funeral Service for Bertha will take place at 2pm on Saturday, June 1 2024 at Blount and Curry Carrollwood located at 3207 West Bearss Ave. Tampa, FL. 33618. Guest may arrive starting at 1:30pm. A reception and gather of friends will take place following the funeral service.

Acknowledgements

The family of Bertha N. Rawls would like to express our sincere gratitude for the overwhelming support, love, and condolences extended during this difficult time. Your presence, comforting words, and acts of kindness have provided solace as we navigate through the loss of our beloved mother, sister, and aunt. We are truly touched by the outpouring of compassion from family, friends and well-wishers.