Bertha Gray Jamison

Bertha Jamison lived a complete life, filled to abundance with joy, purpose and love. Hard work, service and devotion to God and family were her guideposts. With her sweet and kind disposition, she left an unforgettable impression on everyone she met. She genuinely cared about people and she treasured the countless friends she made throughout her life.

A native of Beaumont, Texas, she was born on the 18th of November 1929. At the age of five her family moved to Houston attending Montrose Elementary, Lanier Junior High and Lamar High School, where she graduated as Salutatorian in 1947. She then attended Rice Institute (now Rice University) and graduated with a BA in Medieval History in 1951. At Rice she was vice president of the sophomore class, a member of the Elizabeth Baldwin Literary Society, Outstanding Senior and Phi Beta Kappa. She later obtained a Master of Education at the University of Houston.

Bertha’s entire career was spent in education. She taught at Mark Twain and Walnut Bend Elementary Schools. She then became a principal at Milam Elementary in HISD and was the founding principal at Chambers Elementary and Chancellor Elementary in Alief ISD. She retired in 1988 but continued an active life of volunteerism. Her activities included the Blue Bird Circle, Memorial Assistance Ministries and the Alexander Love chapter of the DAR. She was also on the board at The Willowick where she was a resident for many years.

The most meaningful area of service to her was Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Guided by her unshakable faith in Jesus Christ, she was a dedicated member for 58 years. She was especially active in the Wedding Band and Candlelighters Sunday School classes and the Chapelwood School. In recognition of her service and leadership, the church named her a Lifetime Board Member.

Bertha married her high school sweetheart Sam James “Jim” Jamison in 1951 and they spent 57 wonderful years together until his death in 2008. They enjoyed traveling to many countries, spending time with family and friends and were fixtures at Lamar High School reunions. Despite declining health, she still maintained a positive and peaceful demeanor. As she recently wrote in her journal, “I am a child of God, and my cup runneth over.” We will greatly miss our Bertha, Mom and Memomma.

Bertha was predeceased by her parents, Hugh Rufus Gray and Bertha Oliphint Gray; her husband Jim Jamison; and granddaughter, Angela Jamison. She is survived by her sons, James and wife Clara, Bryan and wife Stephanie, and Bruce and wife Martha. Also surviving are niece, Melissa Philbrook and husband Andy; grandchildren, Jimmy Jamison, Emily Schmid and husband Bill, Melanie Jamison, Lauren Jamison and husband Chris Maier, Matt Clark, Meredith Taylor and husband Aaron, Sam Jamison and fiancée Betsy Wiener; and four great-grandchildren.

The family is grateful to the staff at The Tradition-Woodway and Crossroads Hospice for their dedicated care in her final months.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six until eight o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 20th of September, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A memorial service is to be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 21st of September, in the sanctuary of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay in Houston, where Wick Stuckey, Senior Associate Pastor, Pastoral Care, is to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

Prior to the service the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, those desiring may direct memorial contributions to Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay, Houston, TX 77024; to the Blue Bird Circle, 615 W. Alabama, Houston, TX 77006; to Memorial Assistance Ministries, 1625 Blalock Road, Houston, TX 77080; or to the charity of one’s choice.