Bertha Williams White, age 99, was born June 21, 1913 to the late Charlie S. and Iva Short Williams in the Butlerville Community, Lonoke County. She passed away June 16, 2013.
Bertha walked about three miles each school day to attend grammar school in a one- room school house in the Greenwood School District. After finishing the 8th grade, she went to Junior High in Ulm, Arkansas. She lived with a sister and her family to attend and graduate Lonoke High School. In 1934, during her senior year, she was a member of the High School basketball team that won the County championship. After graduation she married E.L. White, Jr. who preceded her in death in 1964.
She was employed for 31 years with the USDA Farmers Home Administration in the Lonoke County office and State FHA office as Office Management Assistant. After her retirement she married J.E. White who also preceded her in death.
After retirement she enjoyed fishing with her dear friend Joyce Howell. They fished many lakes and rivers in Arkansas.
She made many dear friends and enjoyed traveling with the Pulaski Heights AARP Chapter 2362. She enjoyed each of the tours and cruises that took her to new and exciting places. She was an Arkansas Razorback fan.
Beginning in 1935, Bertha was a long time active member of the Lonoke United Methodist Church. She was an active member of the Ron Goss Sunday School Class until her health declined. She was a member of the Agape Circle. She loved her church and friends.
She was a charter member of the “Lunch Bunch”. She always said she was fortunate to have dear friends to see that she had a ride to lunch.
Preceding her in death are her parents, grandson Mark Schafer, brothers Sherrill Williams, Owen Williams and Tom S. Williams, sisters Callie Elizabeth Cooper, Marie Cook, Dessa Hamne, Laura Brown, Iva Lena Blasengame, and an infant sister.
Survivors include her daughter Nellie Ann (Jerry) Schafer of Lonoke, grandson Neil (Carol) Schafer, great-grandchildren, Dereck Schafer, Amber Schafer, Lauren (Shawn) Hickey, Gretchen Lusinger; step-daughter Wanda (Bob) Young and their children, Glenda (Rusty) Merchant, Donna (Jim) Goss, Dianna (Randall) Ragsdale and Jimmy White, also many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, June 19 at 10:00 a.m. at Lonoke United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Lonoke Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 18, 6-8 p.m. at Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke.
Memorials can be made to Lonoke First United Methodist Church or Lonoke First United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 152, Lonoke, AR 72086.
Heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Greenbrier. www.boydfuneralhome.net.