Tributes

During her earthly life, Bertha L. Martin preferred to live privately yet she lived life to the fullest and according to her own terms. As a young woman, Bertha was drawn to the Galveston area due to multiple employment opportunities that were not as plentiful in her hometown of Sweetwater, TX. After settling in Galveston and later marrying Abel Whitaker, Bertha was employed by what is now known as The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). She worked in UTMB’s Housekeeping Department for many years. Bertha later remarried Dudley Martin Sr and relocated to nearby LaMarque, TX where she began her Housekeeping career with Mainland Center Hospital and remained there until she retired decades later. LaMarque became Bertha’s home and the place where she raised her children. Bertha’s infectious smile and deep dimples lit up any room she occupied. As a young lady she enjoyed dancing and frequently won dance contests that she entered. Bertha was truly a country girl at heart. She loved the outdoors with fishing being one of her most adored hobbies. Rides to Texas City Dike or Galveston Beach (“the beautiful sea of blue”) offered Bertha a sense of peace. No one can deny the joy she got from making those penny machines ring at the casinos as one of her favorite past times. She frequently traveled back to “the country” to spend time with family and friends which meant the world to her. She took pride in raising and also teaching her children to raise chickens, ducks, rabbits, fruit trees and a beautiful garden filled with vegetables. There wasn’t much Bertha couldn’t or wouldn’t try to do. There were times she was her own mechanic and handy lady around her home. Truly independent and confident with her own abilities, her favorite saying was, “I can do it…Get back!” She was determined to not allow anyone, or anything get in the way of whatever it was she set out to do. Her strength was evident even until her final days on earth. Many of the medical professionals that practiced on or cared for her throughout the last 10-15 years of her life were in awe of how she continuously overcame so many health challenges. Some would say she “cheated death”, but her Family would simply say, “She’s being Bertha.” She rarely complained and maintained her witty sense of humor. Bertha L. Green was born in Roger, TX on September 27, 1932 to Roosevelt and Hattie Green. Her Parents welcomed her as the 5th child into what ultimately became a sibling group of 10. On August 7, 2023, Bertha answered her Heavenly Father’s sweet call for her to return home, be free of pain and get the rest she so deserved. The mansion she often spoke about was now ready for her occupancy. Bertha was welcomed to her heavenly home by both her Parents, 5 sisters (Williemae Green, Alice Clark, Jerlene Green, Leola Green and Clara Allen) and 4 brothers (George Green, Frank Green, James Green and Robert Green). She is now resting with her 3 children: Quinten Green, Charles Palmer and Bertha Bell Whitaker. She is also now reunited with her 1st born grandson, Marcus D. Whitaker. Holding on to and cherishing memories of the time spent here on earth with Bertha are here 4 children: Jimmy Whitaker (Lisa), Louise Averette (TJ), Lydia Wells (Daniel) and Dudley Martin Jr. (Theresa). Bertha raised and cared for Laura (Ann) Austin, a cousin as one of her own, who will miss her as well. Bertha has 7 living grandchildren who will sorely miss who they affectionately nicknamed “Queen B”. Maurice Scott (Tami); Temicka Collett (Marcus); Mario Whitaker Sr (Shannon); Tekisha Carrasco (Uriel); Marcel Whitaker (Tara); Robert Allen Jr; and Rose Marie Martin. Bertha also loved Hope Austin, a great cousin, as her own grandchild. It won’t be the same hearing “GiGi”, the name her 16 great grandchildren called her, call all of her great grands by the wrong name or a name she just felt like making up. Louis, Carlos, Kamren, DeOmi, Cha’nelle, Tressa, Donovan (King), Dominic, Mikaela, Micah, Mario Jr (MJ), Marlei, Genesis, Malakhi, Blaise and Jett. It always made Bertha’s day to joke and play with her great grands and 2 great grandchildren (Nasir and Nellie). The impact and joy felt by so many who encountered Bertha will be missed by a host of Family, Friends, Caregivers, Medical Professionals, and others in the communities where she lived and worked. Fly high “Momma”, “Grandma”, “Miss B”, “Aunt Penny”, “Queen B”, “GiGi”…Mrs. Bertha L. Martin. Your work here is done. Get your rest and watch over all of us forever. We love you “OUR GIRL”!

Tributes

Bertha Lee Martin

September 27, 1932 - August 7, 2023