Bertha Marie Harrison

Bertha Marie Harrison, 86, went to be with the Lord on April 25, 2018.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 28, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, Texas. Officiating will be Brother Rick Linebarger. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn in West Orange.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 27, 2018, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Jay Clifton Harrison; parents, Amos and Eva Alford; and four brothers, Lester Alford, Amos Alford, Junior Alford and Oren Alford.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Coit and partner Ronnie Labry, Glenda Mello and husband Bill, and James Harrison and wife Linda; grandchildren, Michelle Leblanc, Misty Merritt, Ryan Harrison, Rendi Garcia, Whitney Coleman, and Jaycie Harrison; great-grandchildren, Jordan Kohler, Madalyn Tran-Reno, Easton Merritt, Joseph Leblanc, Haley Coleman, Lexie Coleman, Ethan Coleman, McKarsyn Borel, Paysli Hufford, Ayden Kohler, Carter Merritt, Landrie Kohler, and Otto Garcia; and two sisters, Martha Mosher and Mamie Conway.

Bertha will be remembered for her nurturing and loving spirit, sense of humor, as well as her unwavering faith and dedication to Jesus Christ. She was a superb cook, master seamstress, and a wonderful Mother and Granny. She raised her children on her knees, handmade her children's clothes, and always had homemade snacks ready on the table after school. From picking vegetables in her garden, fishing with her son or brushing her daughters’ hair, Bertha was the best mom anyone could ask for.

From her holiday feasts– and her famous chocolate pie, to her daily meals, she always had a pan of cornbread on the stove, or a bite to feed anyone that walked through her door. She was a faithful member of Bethel Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school or worked the in nursery for over 50 years, and sang in the choir. She influenced so many throughout her life and never expected or wanted anything in return. She wasn't rich by worldly standards, but now walks the streets of gold with her Lord and Savior. She was a member of the Baptist Women Missionary Auxiliary. She always had a kind word for everyone, and knew the right thing to say exactly when needed it most. She took food to those in need and visited the shut-ins on a regular basis. She handmade hundreds of quilts, most of which she gave away or donated. Our family would like to extend a special thanks to Texas Total Health Care, specifically Miranda, Shelby and Tiffany for giving her and us peace and comfort in her final days.

Pallbearers will be Robert Merritt, Ryan Harrison, Joe Leblanc, Benny Coleman, JJ Garcia and Taylor Smith.