Bertha Baker Woods

Bertha Jane Baker Woods was born on April 20th, 1942 to Mozzell McCullough Baker and Wilfred Garfield Baker, Sr. in Conover, NC. She was the middle child and only daughter born to this couple; however, she later found out that she had another older brother with whom she shared a close bond.

Bertha completed her elementary and high school education in the Catawba County school system graduating a year early and at the top of her class. Bertha or “Tiny” as family called her wanted more than what her high school education alone could achieve. Consequently, she dreamed of going to college and despite knowing that this would be a financial struggle, she worked hard at menial jobs that were given to black women at that time and appreciated the opportunities and assistance that others who saw her potential gave to her. This philosophy of “paying it forward” is something that she continued throughout her life, not only in the career she chose as a social worker, but also in the choices of ministries in which she chose to participate. She was always grateful for the assistance of those who saw her need and potential, and as a result, helped her to stay in college and receive her undergraduate degree.

Not long after receiving her Bachelor’s in sociology from Johnson C. Smith University (Class Elite of ’64), Bertha came to New York City. After a few changes in addresses, she eventually settled in Brooklyn in the late 1960s where she lived the rest of her life.

In 1968 she married Dr. Jerry Nathaniel Woods, who preceded her in death 3 months ago. They had a daughter, Dr. Ericka C. Woods, three years after marrying. Their marriage did not lasted about 4 years, and Bertha raised Ericka as a devoted single parent. When Ericka had a near death experience at the age of 21, Bertha was the instrumental force in healing the relationship between father and daughter. She set an example of how not to be a bitter single mother. Over time Bertha and Jerry developed a unique and good friendship, and surely, he’s there now to welcome her home.

Those who knew Bertha know that she was a very social and outgoing person as well as a hat queen. She had a hat for every occasion. She also loved her church (St. Paul Community Baptist Church) as well as to travel, go to Broadway shows (at a discount), spend time with friends and family, cook and bake. One could say she was born with the perfect last name of Baker given all the cake and pie requests she had filled over her life. She loved every ministry that she was involved in over the years – LAMBS, Social Justice, Daytime Ministry, Women’s Ministry, to name a few. Even when in pain or fatigued from the various illnesses she had to suffer through, she would still find the time and wherewithal to do what she could whether it be holiday dinners, something for the church or to help a young person. Yet, in spite of all these things that she thoroughly enjoyed, to use some of her last words, her daughter, Ericka, was her “greatest pride and joy.” She often said that “Since God gave me a child, a child I wanted to me, I’m accountable so I have to give [you] back to Him,” because she believed being a mom was her most important job often giving up promotions with various agencies within NYC’s Department of Social Services that she believed would interfere with her ability to be a good parent. Despite these financial sacrifices, she eventually attained her LCSW in her fifties and retired in 2002 as a Level III Supervisor with ACS’s (Administration for Children Services) Family Preservation Program.

In addition to her parents, Bertha was preceded in death by her oldest and younger brothers, Ernest McCullough and Vernon Baker.

She leaves to honor and cherish her memory her daughter, Dr. Ericka C. Woods (Alphonso Myles) of NY; her brother, Wilfred G. Baker, Jr.; niece, Catreena Baker (Marvin Young); nephew, Alvin Baker; 2 aunts, Estelle Wilson and Mary Connor; special “daughter,” Kameko Jones and “son,” James Ervin as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation Tri-State Chapter, 59 Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905 in Bertha Woods’ memory.