Ms. Bertha L. Wade

Ms. Bertha L Henneghan Wade was born in Florence County, South Carolina on December 22 ,1947, to the late Walter Lee and Mattie Luvenia Myers Henneghan. The youngest of seven siblings, Ms. Bertha was fiercely proud of her parents and continued to care for their home after their passing—a testament to the love and gratitude she carried for them throughout her life.

As a teenager, Ms. Bertha attended Gibbs High School where she excelled academically and became a star point guard on the basketball team. Shortly after graduating, she moved to the Washington, D.C. area to pursue a career in the Federal Government. Over the course of more than 40 years, she built an accomplished career within the Office of Administrative and Personnel Management, serving as Chief for the Processing and Benefits Branch. Her civil service commitment also included working with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Her dedication, intelligence, and strong work ethic were evident in every role she held.

Those who knew Ms. Bertha understood that she was smart, loving, and classy; but above all, that she was the best mother, grandmother, and great grandmother her family could have wished for. Her family was the source of some of Ms. Bertha’s greatest pride and joy; and she never missed an opportunity to share how proud she was of Pamela, Tyatianna, and Jorja.

Ms. Bertha loved her family and friends deeply, and she found just as much joy in helping others. Above all, however, she loved the Lord. Ms. Bertha became a member of the First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Gaithersburg, where she found a loving community of faith and friendship. She especially enjoyed serving on the Usher Board, the Lay Organization, and the Golden Gems.

Ms. Bertha’s passions and favorite pastimes reflected her joyous personality. She enjoyed gardening at her homes in MD and SC; fishing with loved ones on the pier at Myrtle Beach; shopping for the latest fashions; cooking her famous oyster dressing and peach cobbler; travelling around the world; and most of all, being a source of strength and support to her family and closest friends.

Over the last 7 years, Ms. Bertha faced breast cancer with remarkable courage and grace. Despite her fight, she held firmly to her faith, trusting that her battle ultimately belonged to the Lord, just as her favorite song reminded her, “The Battle is Not Mine, It [Is] the Lord’s.”

Ms. Bertha leaves behind a family who loves her deeply and will carry her memory and legacy with them always. She is survived by her daughter, Pamela R. Govan, Port St. Lucie, FL; her granddaughter, Tyatianna J. Flemming, Fort Bliss, TX; and her great-granddaughter, Jorja R. Flemming, Fort Bliss, TX. She is also survived by her sister, Pecola H. Rollins, Alexandria, VA; her Godson, Mason T. Morgan, Charlotte, NC; and her many devoted nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Walter Lee Henneghan and Mrs. Mattie Myers Henneghan; sisters, Edna Mae Hawkins, Allie Mae Frison, Ethelean H. Frison; and brothers, Walter Henneghan (Jr.) and Henry James Henneghan.

Ms. Bertha lived 78 years, but the measure of her life cannot be found simply in its length, but also in the amount of love she shared, the laughter she created, all the fish she caught, the flowers she planted, the rabbits she lovingly—or not so lovingly—kicked out of her garden, and the countless celebrations she made more beautiful simply because she was there.

Her life was a gift. Her presence was a blessing. Her love was a legacy. And although she may no longer be here in person, the seeds she planted—in her family, her friendships, her faith, and the lives she touched—will continue to grow.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” – Romans 8:28