Bertha W. Sledge

Bertha Washington Sledge (affectionately called "Bae") was born August 22, 1926, at Uniontown, AL. Bertha was preceded in death by her Parents, Bertha Ash and William McKinley Washington; and her husband Nathaniel H. Sledge, Sr. She is survived by two Daughters: Paula Sledge Ramos of Tuscaloosa, AL, and June Sledge Mair of Santa Rosa, CA; Seven Sons: Emanuel Tyrone Sledge of Tuscaloosa, AL, Nathaniel H Sledge Jr. of Alexandria, VA; Kirk V. Sledge of Tuscaloosa, AL; Clinton H. J. Sledge of Rogers, AR; Justin P. Sledge of Oceanside, CA; Eduardo M. Sledge of Tuscaloosa, AL; and Eric C. Sledge of Lawrenceville, GA; Four Daughters-in-Law: Dorothy Sledge (Emanuel), Concepcion Marasigan Sledge (Justin), Xi Li (Iris) Sledge (Eric) and Merlyn Butawan Sledge (Kirk); and One Son-in-Law David A. Mair (June). Bertha is also survived by two Brothers: William McKinley Washington, Jr., of Las Vegas, NV, and Raymond L. Washington, of Newbern, AL; Thirteen grandchildren; Fourteen great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Bertha lived a full life beginning with her humble beginnings in Alabama’s rural Black Belt to becoming a full-fledged voting citizen and matriarch of a large family. In 1943, Bertha moved from Demopolis, AL to Tuscaloosa, AL to go to school. Her first jobs were as a cook and maid, including working at the Tutwiler Dormitory, and as a domestic for several University of Alabama football coaches. Bertha graduated from Industrial High School in Tuscaloosa in 1948.

Bertha married Nathaniel H. Sledge, Sr., and started her family in 1948. She raised nine children - mostly on her own - while her husband served his country in the military. Bertha was an Army Wife who followed her husband to Germany, Texas, Kentucky, and the Republic of Panama. She was a strong woman who also served her country by keeping the family together while her husband served tours in Vietnam and South Korea. In addition to supporting her husband's military career, she watched six sons join the military and spend time in war and peril in faraway places.

Bertha was a pious person and converted to Catholicism as a young adult. She made sure all of her children were baptized into the Roman Catholic faith, and attending mass every Sunday was required during childhood. She encouraged her children to make use of every educational opportunity with the goal to become good citizens. Her plan worked and all of her children have been successful in life. Among her children and grandchildren are an Attorney, several Soldiers, an Airman, several Marines, several Engineers, a Mathematician, a West Point graduate (Army Colonel), several Business Professionals, Entrepreneurs and Retirees.

In memorializing our Mother, we will draw on our memories about what we learned from Bae and how we will keep her with us - the smiles, the laughter, the wisdom, the admonitions, the care, and the love. Now, Bertha is in paradise where she can rest in peace. She will be dearly missed.

Pallbearers will be Sons: Clinton H. J. Sledge, of Rogers, AR; Justin P. Sledge, of Oceanside, CA; and Eric C. Sledge of Lawrenceville, GA; and Grandsons: Raul A. Ramos, of Lawrenceville, GA; Rolando A. Ramos, of Northport, AL; Dustin R. Mair, of Rohnert Park, CA; and Alex D. Sledge, of Tuscaloosa, AL.