Bertha Jones

Bertha was born on November 22, 1927 in McDade Louisiana to Leonard Jones, Sr. and Hattie (Surrey) Jones. She was the second oldest of 10 children. She later lived in Shreveport, LA., then briefly in San Francisco, CA. before moving to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where she lived for several years. Her union with W.C. Lee produced eight children. Her travels later took her to Triangle, Va. to live near her late son, Robert. She finally settled down in Dallas, TX. in 1992; a place she loved to call home until her transition on July 1, 2020.

She loved holidays and birthdays and the family gatherings associated with them. One of her favorite holidays was the 4th of July, which seems fitting with the theme of independence; she never wanted to be a bother to anyone. Although small in stature, Bertha was a strong willed woman who overcame many obstacles in her life. She was fiercely independent in living life on her own terms. She reluctantly handed over the keys to her car at the age of 89; and, chose to live alone until the age of 91! She was always a hard worker. She worked in various jobs, but spoke most fondly of her work cooking at a community center for the elderly. She enjoyed knowing that she was providing hot healthy meals for those who needed it most. She always emphasized the importance of honesty, both in herself and in her children. Dishonesty was something she simply would not tolerate.

During her last days with us, she would occasionally break out in song, singing phrases of the song, “Celebrate.” We’d play a recording of it for her; and after listening to it, we’d ask her: “do you like it?” and she’d respond: “No! I don’t like it, I Love it!” She can now celebrate with those family members who have gone before her; and we can celebrate and cherish the memory and legacy of this amazing woman we call our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her spirit lives on in each of us.

Her Children:

Willie (deceased in infancy), Robert L. Jones, Sr. (deceased), Willie (Elretta), Gloria (deceased), Lawrence, Ruth (Milo), Jackie, and Katherine

Precious Grandchildren:

Nicole, Demeterious, Marlowe (deceased), Gwenda, Neffetia, Robert L. Jones, Jr. (deceased), Catresha, Joseph, Carlos, Legretta, Carlos, Jacob, Marcus, Damani, Jerrian, Daylon, and Akwia. She is also survived by several great grandchildren.