Bertha Mae Cato Evans was born on September 9, 1933, as the first child to John and Georgianna Cato in Merced, California. She accepted Christ at a young age and attended various churches throughout her lifetime.
Bertha married Willie Woods Jr. in the summer of 1951. In the winter of 1951, Bertha went on to graduate from David Starr Jordan High School in Watts, California where she held a prominent position as the student body class Secretary. In the following year, Bertha and Willie expanded their family by welcoming their first child, Steven Wayne Woods on October 11, 1952. She loved being a mother so much, she continued growing her family by welcoming a daughter Sheila Elise Woods in August 1961and another son Sheldon John Woods in May 1963.
Bertha was ambitious, goal-oriented and a workaholic. She continued her education by attending El Camino Community College in Torrance, California. She maintained several career positions including Deputy Sheriff in Redwood City, a Secretary for Los Angeles County Adoptions, Assistant Teacher, ultimately retiring from the Riverside County Probation Department.
Bertha believed in maintaining her health and staying in shape, which led to her becoming a vegan. She also played an exceptional game of golf. She played for fun, for charities, and for money, having won several tournaments.
Bertha later met and married A.D. Evans in San Jose, California. They moved to Moreno Valley, California and were together loving until his untimely death. After her retirement, Bertha decided to move to Hawaii to be near her beloved son Sheldon. Sheldon took care of his mother, loving, nurturing and catering to all her needs. He was even beside her as she transitioned to glory.
Bertha was proceeded in death by her husband A.D. Evans, son Steven Wayne Woods, brothers Lloyd and Lawrence, and sister Gloria Jean. She leaves to mourn her treasured memory, daughter Shelia (Adrian) Woods, son Sheldon Woods, her sister Nola Randolph, and brother Leroy Cato. Grandchildren: Niachema (Rodney) Clark, James Carter III, Jon R. Woods, Jade (Stephen) Walker, Destiny Woods, Jordan Perkins. Great-grandchildren: Ryan Frierson, Deija Coleman, Brenden Frierson, Star Carter, Leo Rodgers, Mark Williams Jr., Elijah Brockington, Jonas Mercer, Charlotte Mercer and a host of other family and friends.
We want to thank each and every person who said a prayer, kind thought, sent a card or any other kind gesture.
The Evans-Woods Family
