Bertha Johnson

On Friday, October 8, 2021, the Angel of the Lord extended his hand of mercy to our beloved Bertha Odell S. Johnson and called her from labor to eternal reward. She was born March 7, 1925 in Sussex County, to the late John Lundy and Mary Lou Hill Seaborn. Bertha was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Herbert Hoover Johnson. After attending school in Southhampton County she served as a domestic worker for 25 years. She was a devoted member of The New Jones Grove Baptist Church, where she served as a deaconess, Sunday school treasurer, missionary, president of the hospitality committee and usher board. She was also a deaconess at Shiloh Baptist Church. Because Bertha valued the welfare and growth of her community, she was also an active member of the Tynes Corner Community Club. Bertha was a trailblazer when she became the first African American poll worker in the Isle of Wight County voting precinct, a position she held for over 40 years. She was an outstanding baker and loved baking cakes, pies and fruit cakes for her family, friends, church, and community. Visitors who came to the home of Bertha and Hoover would always be welcomed to a slice of cake stored in the tin container sitting on the top of the refrigerator, a slice of pie from the fridge, or a scoop of ice cream from the freezer. She would always have fudge brownies and a sweet potato pie ready for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren when they visited. Bertha had a gift for gardening and an extraordinary talent for completing the daily crossword puzzles. Bertha’s love for her family was boundless. She would always inquire about the welfare and health of everyone, and never missed making calls to loved ones to wish birthday blessings. Bertha’s quick wit and wisdom was like none other. She will be greatly missed. In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Bertha was preceded in death by her stepson, Lafayette Clarke; six sisters, Mary Sue Givens, Francis Seaborn, Ida Cofer, Arlee Glover, Lydia Williams, and Emma Cypress; four brothers, Bernie Seaborn, Melvin Seaborn, Clarence Seaborn and Horace Seaborne, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory, her sons, Robert L. Uzzle, Sr. (Kym) of Windsor, VA and James M. Uzzle (Judy) of Smithfield, VA; one sister, Sarah Jane Moore of Smithfield, VA; five grandchildren, Janel Martin (Stacy), Robert Uzzle, Jr (Alicia), Wanda Clarke, Craig Clarke, and Tara Clarke; six great-grandchildren, Robert Uzzle III, Aaron Uzzle, Jared Uzzle, Stacy Martin II, Ebony Clarke, and Terren Clarke; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who truly adored her.

Bertha Johnson

March 7, 1925 - October 8, 2021