Bertha M Bester

The beautiful and virtuous life of Bertha M. Bester began on September 23, 1933 in Poplarville, Mississippi. She was born to the union of Robert Daniel Alford and Velma Fredrick Alford. Bertha was educated in the public schools of Poplarville and accepted Christ at an early age at New Welcome Baptist Church in White Sand Community. Bertha was an active member of New Welcome where she worked diligently in the church serving as Financial Secretary, member of the choir and Jr. Mission Association. She was employed at Pearl River County Hospital in Poplarville. Bertha united in marriage to the love of her life, Lee Andrew Bester and to this union seven children were born. She later moved to Texas City, Texas and united with Mt. Paran Missionary Baptist Church in Texas City under the pastorate of the late Rev. E. J. Johnson. She was an active member serving in the choir and other ministries of the church. She was employed at County Memorial Hospital, presently, Mainland Medical Center serving until her retirment. Bertha was a loving wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She loved her family and she loved the Lord. On November 19, 2012, Bertha completed her earthly journey and went home to rest. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Daniel and Velma Alford; her husband, Lee Andrew Bester; her children, Louis Edward Bester and Alvin Ray Bester; and her siblings, Lillie McGee, Inna Katherine Allen and Edward James Alford. Left to celebrate her legacy of Christian and family values are her children, Barbara Ann Reaves (Jay), Wayne Allen Bester (Cynthia), Michelle Bester Jones (Barney), Ron Terrell Bester (Theresa) and Roderick Andrew (Miacona Charles) Bester; 20 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; her sisters and brothers, Bobbie Garrett, Royan Hinton, Joyce L. Johnson, Earl C. Alford (Iretha), Lonnie C. Alford (Josephine), Ronald Douglas Alford (Doris); devoted daughter-in-law, Andrea Bester-Brown; sister-in-law, Emily Doris Raine and brother-in-law, Moses Bester; devoted and special friends, Lana and Ruben Mason; and a host of nieces, nephews, family members and friends.