A Glimpse at the Life of
Bertha Lee Smith Shaw
Bertha Lee Smith was born in Kerens, Texas on May 28, 1924 to
Beatrice Daniels Smith and Frank Smith. Bertha was a woman who
lived a life full of challenges, accomplishments, and joys. Her life
story is a testament to the power of determination and resilience.
Early Life and Education
Bertha was the youngest of three children. She had two brothers,
Samuel and Jonathan Smith (both deceased). By the time Bertha was
seven years old, they had lost both parents. She moved to Plano,
Texas, to live with her cousin, Annie Mae (Cousin Pete) and her
husband, Leonard Clough. When she was in the eleventh grade, she
had to quit school to work and help her family.
In 1942, Bertha moved to Garland, Texas, to live with her paternal
grandparents, Felix and Emma Daniels. Despite facing financial
difficulties and having to put her education on hold, Bertha never
gave up on her dream and was determined to finish high school. In
1987, at the age of 62, she finally received her GED from Garland
High School. Her family was so proud that she had fulfilled that
dream. She was also a student at Richland College.
Talents and Hobbies
Bertha was a multi-talented individual who loved to share her gifts
with others. She was an excellent cook and an artist. She excelled in
crocheting, embroidering, ceramics, pottery, and quilting. She was a
master of dominoes, word puzzles and board games. Bertha's
creativity and artistic skills were admired by many, and she was
always willing to teach and help others develop their own talents.
Career and Community Involvement
Bertha worked as a domestic worker, became a model for Stern's
Department Store, worked as a nurse's aide for several nursing homes
and the Visiting Nurses Association. She had a heart for children and
kept many of them in her home from her neighborhood and church.
She earned a reputation for herself throughout the neighborhood for
her caring attitude and was lovingly, called: "Bigmomma, Mother
Shaw, Sis. Shaw or Mrs. Bertha" by many people of all ages and all
cultures.
Bertha was actively involved in several neighborhood, community
organizations, and clubs in East Garland and Dallas County.
Faith and Family
Bertha's faith was an essential part of her life, and she accepted
Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member of the Eastside
Church of Christ ever since it began in her grandmother's living
room over 80 years ago. Bertha taught Sunday school and Ladies
Bible Class and sang in the choir for decades. She was loved by
many at the church.
Bertha was married to Hubert (Buster) Shaw (deceased). They had
one daughter, Virginia Louise Fields and one son, Franklin Shaw
(deceased). Bertha was devoted to her family and loved them,
unconditionally.
Conclusion
Bertha Lee Shaw was a remarkable woman who overcame many
challenges in her life. Her determination, resilience, and faith were
an inspiration to all who knew her. Bertha's creativity, generosity,
and kindness touched many lives, and she will be profoundly
missed by her family, friends, and community.
Bertha truly believed this expression as her grandmother had, "The
Lord will provide and there is always room for one more," so she
adopted the same motto. The Lord continued to provide and she
always had room to welcome one more into her life and into her
home, until the day she passed away.
She loved The Lord, her family and everyone at Eastside Church of
Christ.
Bertha leaves to mourn and celebrate her legacy, her daughter,
Virginia Willis, granddaughters: Felicia Bohanon Robinson
(Ricky), Tyra Willis Harrell, grandsons: Joseph M. Bohanon
(Amber), Geoffrey Bohanon, Edgwatus Shaw (Chiquila), Carmen
Shaw and Orlando Shaw (Frances), 21 great-grandchildren, 13 great
-great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.