Carter, Bertha Virginia
Birth: Saturday, April 02, 2016 in Grayton, Maryland
Residence: Nanjemoy, Maryland
Death: Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the age of 0
Laid to Rest: Friday, October 14, 1910 in the Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Nanjemoy, Maryland
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Bertha Virginia (Coates) Carter, 105, of Nanjemoy, Maryland left her earthly address in the twinkling of an eye, peacefully moving into her new address to be in the presence of the Lord for eternal rest on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at Genesis Waldorf Center in Waldorf, Maryland.

Bertha was born October 14, 1910 in Grayton, Maryland to the late Nobel Frank Coates, Sr. and Mariah Lawson Coates. Her siblings were the late, Nobel Coates, William Coates, Thomas Coates, Annie Gainer, and Hazel V. Coates Gutrick.

Bertha was united in marriage to the late George Albert Carter, Sr. God blessed them with 12 children. Bertha was a member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church after accepting Jesus Christ as her personal savior. She was a very active member. She organized fundraisers to support the church building fund. She served in Deaconess Ministry for many years. She was a member of the Maryland Point Club. As the oldest member of the church, she was recognized and honored as " Mother of the Church".

While residing in the rehabilitation center, she attended worship and praise services. She loved the old time hymns and good gospel music. Bertha entered the world of work at an early age. She held jobs as a domestic worker, factory worker, medical aide, and cook. The Naval Ordinance Station in Indian Head, the old Physicians Memorial Hospital in La Plata, Mount Hope Elementary School, and Andrews Air Force Base were some of the places she had been employed. Her cooking was well loved by all. Mr. Preston Williams would have her prepare the food for his annual cookouts.

Bertha enjoyed her vegetable gardens, fruits trees, and flower gardens planted in her yard. She had many house plants she cared for too. She enjoyed fishing and crabbing, spending hours on the water. Crocheting became a hobby in her golden years. Lastly, she and her sister, Hazel enjoyed traveling by air to visit with Mary, her daughter in California. Bertha had a kind, cheerful and giving heart. She would open the doors of her home to persons in need of help. She was delightful to be around.

Those that got to know her and experienced her Christian light shining, affectionately called her "Mother Carter", "Mama" and "Grand Mama". In addition to her late parents, deceased siblings, and late husband, Bertha was preceded in death by four sons, William, Joseph, in their youth, Freddie and Theodore. One daughter- in- law, Lola (Albert). Bertha's survivors, treasuring many, many memories are sons, George Albert, Jr; Nobel (Pat); Henry (Letha); Benjamin (Delores); James (Loretta Ann); Walter; Colbert, Sr. (Joyce); Freddie Hall, welcomed into the family as another son; daughter, Mary (Louis "Chick"); daughters-in- law, Goldie (Freddie) and Mary (Theodore); 43 grandchildren; 77 great-grandchildren; 84 great-great grandchildren; nephews and nieces.

Our family will not forget the Jewel God has taken home to rest. Precious in the sight of the Lord is death of His saints Psalms 116:15 Viewing, 9 to 10:30am, Service of Celebration, 11am, Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 11220 Holly Spring Road, Nanjemoy, Maryland. Interment, Church Cemetery. Arrangements provided by Thornton Funeral Home.
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