Bertha Shirkey

On the 13th day of June, 2011 Jesus took the hand of Bertha Shirkey (Nana Angel) and lead her home. Bertha's goal in life was to raise her boys "to know God in the right ways of life". She remained faithful to this goal throughout her life and was surrounded by her sons and their wives at the time of her passing. Bertha will be remembered for her great love of family and friends and her many ministries at Rock Methodist Church. Her motto was "Doing for others". She fulfilled her motto by helping with the clothes and food pantry, the rummage sale, sending cards, and other UMW ministries. Her special holiday treats, pepper jelly, fig preserves, and salads, will be missed by many. Bertha's love of life was evidenced as she cheered for Auburn (War Eagle), worked in her flowers, fished with her son Mike, and enjoyed her grand children and great grand children. She enjoyed listening to the Gaither's and hearing Mike sing. Nana Angel is survived by her two sons, Russell James (Brenda), Michael James (Joy); grandchildren, Charity Hudnut (Pete), T.J. James (Beverly), and Amy Holland (Nic); and great-grandchildren, Isaac, Carson, Liliana, Julia, MaKala, Garrett, and Gavin. In addition to many wonderful friends and family, she is survived by sisters, Majorie Phillips & Dean Vandegrift; sister in law, Marion Shirkey; special family friend, Elena Samidin (Roberto) and son Daniel; and many nieces and nephews. Bertha was preceded in death by husband, Robert; mother and father, Willie Mae and Walter Glass; and sister, Annie Lou Sorge. Visitation will be at 10 AM at Rock United Methodist Church, 1601 East Lake Blvd., Tarrant, AL on Thursday, June 16, followed by services at 11 AM. Internment will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens in Trussville. Donations may be made to the UMW of Rock United Methodist Church.

In Bertha's words,

"Don't grieve, don't cry, you have memories....."