Bertha M. Starling

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

Mrs. Bertha Ann Mayes Starling entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, Va. She was a loving and devoted wife, adopted mother, sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor and friend.

Bertha was born to Fred and Missouri Elizabeth Powell Mayes on May 15, 1918, in Greensville County, Emporia, Va. Three sisters, Bessie Lane, Mattie Brannon and Josephine Mayes, and three brothers, Freddie, LeeRoy and Johnny Maye,s predeceased her. She loved working in the garden and was the devoted wife of William Starling for 56 years.

At an early age, Bertha confessed Christ and united with Shiloh Baptist Church, Emporia, Va. After moving to Petersburg, Bertha joined Metropolitan Baptist and later Unity Baptist Church. Bertha always put the interest of family and friends first. The way she lived and loved should be an example for us all to follow. Bertha retired from Central State Hospital as an assistant supervisor in the Food Service Department.

Bertha leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, her husband, William Starling of the home; an adopted daughter, Rozellia Dean of Petersburg, Va.; one sister, Florence Mayes of Petersburg, Va.; one brother, Samuel Mayes (Daisy) of Emporia, Va.; two sisters-in-law, Emma L. Taylor of Greensboro, N.C., and Maude Starling of Hollis, N.Y.; four devoted nieces, Lula Mayes and Bridget Berry of Petersburg, Va., Louise Neverson (Linwood) of Uniondale, N.Y., and Dora Allen of Ettrick, Va.; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, friends, and a devoted canine, "Sam."

"Servant of God, well done rest from thy loved employ. The battle fought, the victory won enter thy Master's joy."

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Unity Baptist Church, 330 S. South St., Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Dr. Albert L. Toney Sr., pastor officiating. Interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

Family, honorary and active pallbearers are asked to assemble 1:30 p.m. at the church the day of the services and may be contacted by calling (804) 733-8875.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mrs. Starling online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.