Anne Liles Berte

Anne Liles Berte passed away December 30, after complications from chemotherapy, with her husband and four children by her side. Her tireless service to her family and the community were a model of love in action and endeared her to so many. Anne is often recognized for the poise and grace she demonstrated in all that she did; this poise was also accompanied by a warmth and care that she showered on those around her. Her bright smile, sparkling green eyes, quick laugh, and friendly greetings made everyone—from the mailman to her grandchildren—feel loved and valued.

Anne was born in Waycross, Georgia, the daughter of Carolyn and Roy Milton Liles. After a move to Cincinnati, Ohio, she attended Withrow High School and the University of Cincinnati, where she met her beloved husband of 59 years, Neal Richard Berte. Moving to Illinois and Kansas before finally settling in Alabama, they built a beautiful family together, including their four children: Becky (Roy) Berte Morton, Julie Berte Tapscott, Mark (Leigh Ann) Berte, and Scott (Dena) Berte and twelve grandchildren: Annie, Parker, Robby, Maggie (Jacob), Evie, Carolanne, Draper, Julianne, Sara Frances, Liles, Ellie Kate, and Linden. She is also survived by her two sisters: Bette (Jack, deceased) Stith and Harriet (Bob) Johnson, both of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Anne’s calling in life was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She nurtured her family in myriad ways over the years, maintaining traditions (like Sunday lunch and Christmas Eve gathering), attending sporting events (for both children and grandchildren), creating special rituals (like weekly coffees and school pick ups with grandchildren), baking signature treats (peanut butter cookies and cinnamon coffee cake), and always providing a listening ear and positive encouragement. She also remained close to her extended family, especially keeping up with her two sisters, their husbands, and nieces and nephews. Anne faithfully held each family member in prayer for every success and challenge they have faced over the years.

Anne’s dedicated service to the community extended her gifts to the larger world. She has served a wide range of community organizations, from the Girl Scouts to Spain Rehab to the Arlington Home. For many years, Anne was the volunteer coordinator for the American Red Cross. She has held a variety of leadership positions in PEO. As a member of Canterbury United Methodist Church for over forty years, Anne served in many ways, including initiating and chairing a Circle for elderly women for over 20 years. An annual award for outstanding service by United Methodist Women bears Anne’s name. All of this is in addition to her service as the “First Lady” of Birmingham Southern College for 28 and a half years, where she represented the education institution at events, cheered for athletic teams, and encouraged and mentored generations of students.

On Saturday, January 6 at Canterbury United Methodist Church, visitation with family begins at 12:30pm in Canterbury Hall with a memorial service to celebrate Anne’s life at 2:00pm in the Sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Birmingham Southern College (Office of Advancement, Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham, AL 35254), Canterbury United Methodist Church (350 Overbrook Road, Mountain Brook, AL 35213), the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham (2100 First Avenue North, Suite 700, Birmingham, AL 35203), or a charity of your choosing. Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (205.879.3401) in Homewood.