Bertha L. (Smith) Sims

Bertha Lee Sims passed away at home on October 31, 2022. Bertha Lee was born July 10th, 1938 in Adamsville, Tennessee to the union of Dock and Bessie Smith. She relocated to Michigan as a teenager with her parents and siblings. Bertha would later marry Theodore Sims Jr.

Bertha Lee was a loving mother, and wonderful sister, aunt, friend, and grandmother to many. She always had that beautiful smile on her face. She showed compassion to everyone she encountered. Besides her 12 children, Bertha also took in a lot of other children and adults. She welcomed them into her home with open loving arms.

Bertha Lee was a faithful member of the Isrealite Missionary Baptist Church. Under the leadership of the late Reverend Joe N. Bruins, she served on the Usher Board for many years. Bertha knew and loved the Lord. She prayed daily and faithfully read her bible. She fasted and prayed every Wednesday for many, many, years.

Over the years Bertha Lee held various jobs. She worked for a daycare center run by Pastor DeFrance and his lovely wife sister DeFrance. She was employed through Napier Manor 19 years before she retired.

Fishing, traveling, and spending time with family were some of her hobbies. Bertha Lee was active and caring. She enjoyed surrounding herself family. Bertha Lee was a proud mother and grandmother. She took various vacations and cruises with her daughters. She felt most comfortable being around her siblings. She loved everyone.

She leaves precious memories to cherish through her 5 daughters: Levon Roseman, Vicky (Darrel) Lewis, Lou Ann (Johnny) Knox, Bertha Mae Sims, Trudy SIms all of Benton Harbor, Michigan. 3 son Robbie Smith of Benton Harbor, MI; Steve Smith of Chicago, Illinois; Craig Smith of Westover, Maryland. 23 grandchildren, 65 great grandchildren, and 16 great great grandchildren. 3 sisters Ella Mae Turner, Rosa Lee Young, Shirlene Gorman all of Benton Harbor. 1 brother Jack Smith of Benton Harbor, Michigan. Host of nieces and nephews. 3 special daughters Jeannie Huddleston-Gordon, Anita Jones, Charlene Riggins.

Bertha Lee is preceded in death by her parents Dock and Bessie Smith, her children Marie Roseman, Marvin and Mark Roseman, her siblings Eva Cross, Lily Cross, Early Smith and James Smith.

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