God has put his loving arms around a dedicated Mother, Proud Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Sister, who was devoted to him and his works. He took her home Friday, May 24, 2019 at the beautiful age of 87 years old.
Bertha (Wade) Smith was born January 6, 1932 in Rose Bud Island, Arkansas to Willie B. Williams and Lula B. McClendon.
Bertha moved to Saginaw, Michigan in 1952. She was an entrepreneur and a hard worker, owning several businesses throughout Saginaw before obtaining a job with General Motors Saginaw Steering Gear, from where she later retired after many years of dedicated service. Her motto in life was nothing beats a failure but a try. She was dedicated to helping the underserved population in Saginaw. Before her illness, she would pile up her car with food and drive to areas throughout the city feeding those in need, especially on the holidays. Her family was not allowed to eat until the dinners were passed out.
Bertha was a nurturing mother who believed in the institution of family and instilled this belief in her children and grandchildren. She loved spending time and talking with her family near and far. She was a fashionista that was hardly ever seen without a hat on her head and a handkerchief in her hand.
Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur B. Smith; parents, Willie B. Williams and Lula B. McClendon; daughter, Allison Wade; sisters, Gwendolyn Williams, Gennie Vee Pharrow, Lillie Mae Mays, Emma Jean Jenkins, Vernita Hill, Rochean Elliott,; brother, Willie B. Williams II; nephew that she raised as her own, Willie B. Williams III.
Mrs. Smith will be cherished in memory by her only son, Leo Wade, Jr.; granddaughters, Stephanie (Deon) Dillard, Saginaw Michigan, Felicia (Parnell) White, Grand Rapids Michigan, Robin (Charles) Wade, Saginaw, Michigan; great-grandchildren, Dr. Parnell White II, Avery White, Ravyn Lawrence; great-great-granddaughter, Jordyn White; sister, Jeanette (Everett) Henson, Cordova, Tennessee; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, including special family members, Constance Jones, Emmarine Smith, Evenell (Bonnie) Harris, Mary Keys, Mavis Taylor, Shari-Bell Garrett, Monica Albright, Renata Reed and friend, Joeneicy Brittain.
The Family would like to express a special thanks to Kareba Lawrence, Covenant Healthcare 3rd Floor CVICU, Ivan E Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral chapel
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