Bertha J. Vinson

Ms. Bertha J. Spencer Vinson, age 73, departed this life on April 19, 2021 in Town and Country, MO. She was born on September 2, 1947 in Scooba, MS to the union of Ben and Flora “Missie” Spencer. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Bertha received her elementary and secondary education in East St. Louis, IL. She graduated from Lincoln Sr. High School in 1965. She attended Belleville Area College and held various certificates in Office Skills, in addition to Computer Software certifications.

Bertha confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis, IL, under the leadership of the late Reverend L.T. Phinnessee.

Bertha was a dedicated employee of MERS Goodwill Industries, previously Jewish Employment and Vocational Services, for 42 years until her retirement in May 2020. Additionally, Bertha was an Assistant Director and Office Skills Instructor at Professional Business School for several years, until its closure.

Affectionately known as "Coat" to her family, Bertha was extremely creative and loved to sew and cook for her family. She never met a stranger and was a kind and fun loving person. Bertha was an avid IL and MO instant lottery ticket player.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter, Michelle R. Vinson of East St. Louis, IL; two brothers, Johnnie (Mary) Spencer of Fairview Heights, IL and Sam Lilton of Washington Park, IL; two sisters, Girtha (Enoch) Turner of Phoenix, AZ and Darlene Spencer of Cahokia Heights, IL; bonus daughter Dr. Shawn D. Peoples of Charleston, IL; bonus son, Eric Chrismon of Atlanta, GA, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bertha adored her terrier mix, Benji Spencer Vinson.

Bertha always desired to help others and frequently said: "Let the work I've done speak for me. I have lived a good life and I have done my very best in all things."

Her wings were ready, however our hearts were not. Bertha will be missed and loved forever!