Bertha Marie Harrison, 86, went to be with the Lord on April 25, 2018.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. Officiating will be Brother Rick Linebarger. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn in West Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jay Clifton Harrison; parents, Amos and Eva Alford; and four brothers, Lester Alford, Amos Alford, Junior Alford and Oren Alford.
She is survived by her children, Patricia Coit and partner Ronnie Labry, Glenda Mello and husband Bill, and James Harrison and wife Linda; grandchildren, Michelle Leblanc, Misty Merritt, Ryan Harrison, Rendi Garcia, Whitney Coleman, and Jaycie Harrison; great-grandchildren, Jordan Kohler, Madalyn Tran-Reno, Easton Merritt, Joseph Leblanc, Haley Coleman, Lexie Coleman, Ethan Coleman, McKarsyn Borel, Paysli Hufford, Ayden Kohler, Carter Merritt, Landrie Kohler, and Otto Garcia; and two sisters, Martha Mosher and Mamie Conway.
Bertha will be remembered for her nurturing and loving spirit, sense of humor, as well as her unwavering faith and dedication to Jesus Christ. She was a superb cook, master seamstress, and a wonderful Mother and Granny. She raised her children on her knees, handmade her children’s clothes, and always had homemade snacks ready on the table after school. From picking vegetables in her garden, fishing with her son or brushing her daughters’ hair, Bertha was the best mom anyone could ask for.
From her holiday feasts– and her famous chocolate pie, to her daily meals, she always had a pan of cornbread on the stove, or a bite to feed anyone that walked through her door. She was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school or worked the in nursery for over 50 years, and sang in the choir. She influenced so many throughout her life and never expected or wanted anything in return. She wasn’t rich by worldly standards, but now walks the streets of gold with her Lord and Savior. She was a member of the Baptist Women Missionary Auxiliary. She always had a kind word for everyone, and knew the right thing to say exactly when needed it most. She took food to those in need and visited the shut-ins on a regular basis. She handmade hundreds of quilts, most of which she gave away or donated. Our family would like to extend a special thanks to Texas Total Health Care, specifically Miranda, Shelby and Tiffany for giving her and us peace and comfort in her final days.
Pallbearers will be Robert Merritt, Ryan Harrison, Joe Leblanc, Benny Coleman, JJ Garcia and Taylor Smith. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Kelly Alford.
Bertha was such a nice person. I married into her family. Bertha always had something on the stove to eat without fail. I will treasure my friendship with her as long as I live.
Absolutely beautiful soul. She taught me about tying off a knot in quilting so it doesn’t show, praying about EVERYTHING, kindness and understanding above all else, love your family no matter what, and don’t fail to be thankful to God through all our trials. She was always there to help anyone that needed a helping hand.
Everyone loved Bertha Harrison, a wonderful christian lady. I don’t know who wrote her obituary but they did a wonderful job!!. It would make her proud!
One of the most precious Christian ladies we have ever been priveledged to know. God received an angel in heaven. Travis &Billie Allen
To Tammi, your children, grandchildren and all of Mrs.Harrison’s Family I Send my prayers and sincere condolences. Louise commented on the beautiful obituary and I was thinking the very same thing. I am sure her service to everyone will be terribly missed. She may get a little bored in heaven because her role will be returned for she will have service poured out to her in heaven.
I’m sorry I did not know her But I know she will be extremely missed by all of her family but she left her beautiful legacy to them . God bless you all .
A beautiful, sweet lady.
Am so saddened to hear of Ms Bertha’s passing..she was truly a gentle, sweet soul..upon hearing of me and Shirley retiring from our Corner Carwash business, Bertha came by one day and brought each of us one of her homemade quilts..this was almost three years ago..it has been at the foot of my bed every day since! It was special then, and even more special now! Rest now Ms Bertha..you will be missed by all who were blessed to know you..
I met Bertha through a mutual friend. So sorry to learn of her passing. There was not a more special lady around as she called and checked on so many people and was concerned about their welfare. Knowing she is with God now makes her passing easier to accept. Rest in Peace Bertha and God bless your family and all who knew you.