October 27, 1928-----July 3,2023

Bertha’s mother passed away in childbirth.  Bertha was taken in and raised by Rachael Elizabeth Byers, Rachael’s daughter Ellen and Rachael’s seven sons, which is where she lovingly became known as Sister.

Survivors include two grandsons, John Perry Foster and wife Sherril, of Bella Vista, AR, and Corey Miller of Arlington, TX. Two granddaughters, Melissa Foster of Nash, TX and Courtney Goswick and husband Shane of Longview, TX. Seven great grandchildren, Sarah Foster, Jordan Foster, Justin Foster, Tabitha Leyda and husband Brennan, Miller Goswick, Memphis Goswick, McKoy Goswick. Two great-great grandchildren Lowen and Caspian Leyda. One brother-in-law, Robert Reid. One daughter-in-law, Debbie Miller. Two nephews David and Donnie Barr.  Nieces Debra Barr and Elizabeth Dugal and husband Dwayne. Special family Larry and Marion Byers, Diane and Hannah Miller, Leigh Ellis. Special friends Jean McAlister, James and Claudia Griffin, Brad Rogers, Jan Herring and Kay Chaney. She was attended to in her later years by a host of attentive caregivers. They include Diane Miller, Hannah Miller, Jordan Ledbetter, Leigh Ellis, Lisa Hooks, Nicole Ruiz, Rita Byers, Melba Mays, and Kay Chaney. Their time, patience and loving care were greatly appreciated.

Preceding Bertha in death was her husband James O. Miller; a son, James Thomas Miller; a daughter Linda Diane Miller Foster; a son-in-law Perry Foster; two brothers Bill Arvis Barr and Jeffery Barr; a daughter-in-law Cynthia Barr; a sister Helen Barr Reid and special neighbor Earnestine Kosh.

Bertha, as a child attended and joined Shover Springs Baptist Church. She attended Hope High School and after graduation was employed as a nurse by Hempstead County Hospital and later by Dr. George Wright of Hope Clinic for 17 years. She later opened a gift shop, Bert’s Violets, and specialized in African violets. After marriage she became a member of the First Baptist Church of Hope. She became well known for her homemade jelly and gifted every new member with a jar, as well as many others, especially those who visited her at home. She also planned, planted, and tended a rose garden at First Baptist Church of Hope.

Bertha served her community for 60 years as President of the Rose Garden Club, President of the Violet Club, and as a member of the Home Extension Club, as well as many other community services including being a faithful worker at the County Fair and Hope Depot garden. 

In Bertha’s later years includes failing health and many aches and pains, she was heard to plead at times, “Lord, just take me on home!” The Lord granted her wish, and she is joyfully reunited with family and Jesus Christ her Savior.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bertha’s memory to Shover Springs Cemetery C/O Jimmy England 2410 East Plainview Road Hope, AR. 71801.

A visitation will be held Friday, July 7, 2023, 5:00-8:00pm at Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home. 

Funeral services will be held 10:00am Saturday, July 8, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Hope with Bro. Daniel Bramlett, Bro Larry Byers, and Bro Eric Barbaree officiating.  Interment will follow at Shover Springs Cemetery, Shover Springs, AR under the direction of Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home of Hope. 

Pall Bearers are James Griffin, David Barr, Donnie Barr, Mark Baker, Corey Miller, John Foster, Jordan Foster, Justin Foster, and Brad Rogers.

We also invite you to express your public condolences at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com or private Letters of Love at www.herndonfuquafuneralhomes.com/page/letters-of-love.