Berthia Sheri Jackson-Coney

Life in itself is a depiction of this particular bible passage from Isaiah 40:8. Everything that can be seen is yet temporary, but God’s word will always stand forever. Therefore, we must cherish and be thankful for the life that God has given us because it’s just for a moment.

Berthia Sheri Jackson’s life began on August 19, 1976 in Merced, California. She was born to her God-fearing parents, Wallace Albert Jackson and Shirley Allen Jackson. She was a nine-pound, beautiful, bright-eyed yet determined baby! This “gift” of determination resonated and spoke volumes throughout her life. The third of five children, she was little sister to Wanda and Stephen and she was a big sister to Naomi and Jeremiah.

Raised right on Bermuda Street in the countryside of Merced, Berthia attended Weaver Elementary and Middle School. She always had a light about her that could draw almost anybody in! This was that “gift” of determination that God blessed her with. Always being that natural born “talker”, popular, and influential person she was, that same gift would and could get her in troubles at times. Yet she was very intelligent and witty! Berthia was also very artistic; she wrote even more eloquently than she spoke. In her youth Berthia displayed her artistic ability in all different facets with her favorite pastime as a child being music and sports. It seemed as though every sport she played she exceled in (with softball being her favorite).

As Berthia began to enter her teenage years, she made the most important decision anyone could make, in 1990 she decided to give her life over to Christ. While attending her childhood church one evening, and as the power of God moved throughout, Berthia was baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the precious gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in Tongues. This decision literally changed the trajectory of her life.

Although Berthia had many ups and downs in life, her determining spirt never left her. Berthia graduated from Yosemite High School, and had always dreamt of becoming a nurse. This was a perfect career choice for her because she was a natural born nurturer who loved to take care of others. She decided to attend Merced Community College while working as a nursing assistant to jump start her road to her dream. But little did she know that God would bless her with four beautiful babies while trying to reach that dream. From the oldest to the youngest Azjah, Tia, Zhordan, and Emery were the light in her eyes whom she loved dearly. Yet, that burning desire to reach her goal never left her.

Later on, Berthia had the opportunity to attend Maric Medical College and finally reached her goal through focus, determination and perseverance. She graduated not only being a single mother, but with high honors (Magna Cum Laude). Berthia’s career became a testament, of how anyone could reach their dream even when facing adversity in their life. She worked at various nursing capacities throughout her career specializing in home health and hospice, and ending her career as a nurse for Soledad State Prison in Soledad, California. Berthia was even a mentor to others who had dreams of becoming a nurse and other medical professions.

Although her career was a major part of her life, nothing compared to her love for God regardless of the tribulations she faced, and the love she had for her family. Berthia was married for 17 years, and had three more beautiful children - Sharae, and her twins - Sumayah, and Nehemiah. She loved and lived every day for all 7 of her children which she would move mountains for.

This is the same “gift” of determination that she was born with that endured the test of time throughout her life and even until the end.

She sent this scripture once that still resonates today, Ephesians 4:32 KJV

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Although our hearts are rightfully full of sorrow, Berthia would not want us to linger on the "why" of why life happens as it does. But she would want us to ask God, "what now.." And to allow God to be our foundation and to guide us and direct us by way of His Word to the path that He has planned for us.

Berthia is preceded in death by her father, Wallace Jackson; her mother, Shirley Jackson, her angelic daughter, Zhordan and her brother Stephen Jackson.

She leaves her children - Azjah, Tia, Emery, Sharae, Sumayah, and Nehemiah; 2 grandchildren - Elias and Alora, 3 siblings - Wanda, Naomi, and Jeremiah, her step mother, Lady Jackson and host of extended family and friends.

Yesterday and tomorrow is forever more when love overshadows the tears of the children of God, This is what I know because God looked beyond my faults and wiped away all of my tears.