Bertha Jean Howard was born July 23, 1957, and was a life-long resident of Canton, Ohio. She departed this earthly life on Friday, February 23, 2018. Bertha retired from the VA Medical Center-Canton in 2015 after over 20 years of service. Bertha was also a decorated Army Veteran. While able-bodied, she was an active member of Antioch Baptist Church, spending many years as a Sunday School   Teacher, volunteering her services for Vacation Bible School  and other youth programs facilitated there, and worshipping the Lord.

Bertha enjoyed watching the Cleveland Cavaliers (all sports, really), shopping, travelling, and being everyone's favorite cheerleader – offering support and words of encouragement to all who sought after her guidance. Bertha was also considered a "Sister-Friend"  to all who knew her, and was a second mom to many other children seeking refuge or additional motherly advice.  Preceding her in death were her mother Marie Johnson and step-father Bennie E. Johnson, Sr.; brother, Daniel Howard. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter Lindsey Howard and "grand-pup" Rigby; brothers, Louie (Darlene) Johnson and Jonathan Johnson both of Canton, Ohio, and Bennie, Jr. (Lila "Ann") Johnson of Hinesville, Georgia; aunt, Imogene Freeman of Montgomery, Alabama and Annie "Louise" Holley  of Cleveland, Ohio; uncles, Alfonza (Faye) Freeman of Montgomery, Alabama and Davis Howard of  Wetumpka, Alabama. She also leaves to mourn her passing a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.