Bertha Lee Brown Major was born on April 15, 1938, in the modest town of Greensboro, Alabama, to the late Peter Stevenson and Ethel Brown Connor. Bertha was a sweet and loving child, living up to her nickname, “Honey.” From an early age, Bertha was surrounded by the deep, nurturing bonds of family. Her childhood was rich with the warmth of these connections, providing her with a foundation of love and support. She often reflected on the practical and powerful spiritual teachings imparted to her by her aunts and beloved grandmother, Annie, whose wisdom and faith guided her through many of life’s challenges.
In her teenage years, Bertha’s family made the life-changing decision to move from the South to Toledo, Ohio, where they sought new opportunities and a fresh start. It was in this new city that Bertha’s life would take another significant turn. There, she graduated from Libbey High School and met the man who would forever change her world: the love of her life, Richard Lee Major. Their connection was undeniable, and their love blossomed into a partnership and marriage that would span fifty-six years. Married in 1957, the couple was blessed with five children: Kim, Richard Jr., Marquita, Lisa, and Marcus. Bertha dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her role as a devoted wife and mother, nurturing her children with love, wisdom, and care. Family was always her top priority, and she instilled in her children the values of compassion, faith, and hard work.
In 1959, Bertha and Richard experienced a spiritual awakening that would shape their marriage and entire life. After studying the Bible and reading Bible Readings for the Home, Bertha and Richard committed themselves to Christ and became active members of the Bethel Seventh-day Adventist Church in Toledo. This decision deepened Bertha’s faith and influenced her daily life. She remained an ardent servant of God for the rest of her years. Her faith was evident not only in her church involvement but in the way she lived—always looking for ways to reflect Christ’s love in her life.
Bertha’s dedication extended beyond her family to her community. For over thirty-four years, Bertha worked tirelessly as a Physical Therapist Assistant at Huntsville Hospital and HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center, using her skills and compassion to help others lead healthier, fuller lives. She pursued her passion for beauty and cosmetology, becoming a board-certified cosmetologist. Her work not only brought her fulfillment but also helped financially support her children’s Christian education.
Bertha was known for her loving spirit and nurturing heart. She was an extraordinary vegan cook, delighting family and friends with her homemade meals. Gardening, sewing, thrift shopping, and singing were other beloved pastimes, as was her passion for hospitality. Whether hosting gatherings or aiding neighbors, Bertha lived out her faith, reflecting God’s love in every act of service.
On Sabbath, November 2, Bertha was at church leading songs and testimonies when she suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. She was transported to a hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, where she remained for two weeks, surrounded by family and upheld by the prayers of hundreds. As the sun set on Friday, November 15, 2024, she went peacefully to her rest.
Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel Connor and Peter Stevenson; her husband, Richard Major; and her daughter, Marquita Mitchell, her brothers, Herbert Brown and Frank Connor. She leaves to mourn her children: Kim Gaiter (Buford), Richard Major Jr. (Cynthia), Lisa Major, and Marcus Major (Brandy); grandchildren: Andrea Owens, Joseph Gaiter, Aeron Major Sr., Autumn Major, Richard Major III, Miles Major, and Aurora Major; great-grandchildren: Brooklynn Myers, Mason Owens, Aeron Major Jr., Braelen Dean, Logan Owens, Kendall Nalls, Kalise Nalls, Kameron Young, and Sariya Major; siblings: Annie Mary Jackson, Peter Stevenson Jr., and Willie Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, November 25, 2024 at Oakwood Memorial Gardens (1 HL Cleveland Way Huntsville, AL 35806). The memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon, Monday, November 25, 2024 at the First Seventh-day Adventist Church (1303 Evangel Dr NW, Huntsville, AL 35816).
Public viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, November 24, 2024 at the Royal Funeral Home.
