Mrs. Bertha Louise Lester, Centenarian Extraordinaire
It was the year 1918 in Byromville, Georgia. Mrs. Mary Lizzie Jefferson Lester and Mr. Eugene Lester had a beautiful baby girl. They named their daughter Bertha Louise. On March 10, 2019, Bertha Louise celebrated her 101st birthday!
Read on for a tiny glimpse into her well-lived life.
Even as a young girl, Bertha Louise’s life testified of achievement and excellence despite the odds. During the early 1900’s, equal opportunities for education were non-existent. Nevertheless, young Bertha graduated from the eighth grade. To finish the eighth grade was remarkable during an era when many rural, school-aged, Afro-American children had to work the fields to help support their families.
Young Bertha was a beautiful young woman with high standards. Those same high standards of excellence were shared by the man she would marry. His name was Army Lester Jr. (Yes. They were unrelated and shared the same last name.)
The couple sat about creating a life together and starting a family. Mrs. Bertha gave birth to nine full-term babies. Unfortunately, one of her babies did not survive. That’s when Ms. Bertha prayed to live long enough to see all her children grow up.
In the face of harsh racism and scarce resources, Mr. and Mrs. Lester worked hard to provide every opportunity for their family. While her husband served in the US. Navy as a cook, Mrs. Bertha worked domestic service jobs for many years. Later, she completed training as a certified nursing attendant.
They demonstrated resourcefulness to their children. Mrs. Bertha, being very creative, sewed, restored furniture, and created beautiful floral arrangements. She canned food, baked, and worked in her garden. Meanwhile, Mr. Lester raised chickens, hogs, and cows for food. All of this was accomplished in addition to their full time jobs!
Education was a priority in the Lester household. Knowing what it would take for their children to succeed in a modern world, the Lesters required self-discipline from them. As a result, seven of their children earned post-graduate, college degrees.
Mr. and Mrs. Lester practiced their Christian faith in all aspects of their lives. Mrs. Bertha stood in firm agreement with her husband who would quote Joshua 24:15, “As for me and my house; we will serve the Lord.” They were very active in their church. He as a church deacon, and she as church secretary. They were married for 72 years. Then, in April 2009, Mrs. Bertha’s beloved husband, father to her 9 children, church deacon, and respected community leader, went home to be with God.
As for Mrs. Bertha, on March 10, 2019, she celebrated another birthday milestone of 101 years old. When she prayed to see all her children reach adulthood, God certainly answered her prayer! Not only has she seen all her children reach adulthood, but her grandchildren are now adults as well. Sadly, she has buried one of her sons who passed at age 56.
For her 100th birthday celebration, Mrs. Bertha received many honors and well-wishes. From near and far, family, community, and elected officials flocked to her home for the grand celebration! Among her well-wishes was a correspondence from the former president, Barak Obama.
Today, you will find Mrs. Bertha at her home in Byromville. She is still very much involved as the matriarch of her family. At 101 years old, she is remarkably sharp, and remains active involving her personal care. Most of all, she is still earning the love and respect of people everywhere.
Many thanks to Mrs. Bertha’s daughter, Ms.Virlin Lester, for sharing this story. Virlin is pictured above with her mother.
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