Bertha Virginia (Coates) Carter, Age 105 of Nanjemoy, Maryland.

Obituary

Bertha Virginia Carter 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 LaPlata, 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.