Bertha Bell Williams, 81, a beloved mother, devoted educator, and compassionate social worker, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, May 11, 2025. Born in Greenville, North Carolina, on September 28, 1943, to the late Lucille King Love and Edmond Love, Sr., Bertha lived a life of unwavering faith and service. Her passing marks the end of an earthly journey filled with love, wisdom, and grace, and the beginning of her eternal rest in heaven.
From her humble beginnings in North Carolina to her decades of service in Connecticut, Bertha dedicated herself to uplifting and educating others. After graduating from C. M. Eppes High School, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching at Elizabeth City State University, Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and began her career as a schoolteacher in Grimesland, North Carolina, where she inspired her students with patience and warmth.
In midlife, Bertha answered a further calling to serve the broader community, becoming a social worker for the City of New Haven. For nearly thirty years, she worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of countless families, offering guidance, comfort, and help to those struggling with the needs of the elderly population. After many fruitful years in social services, Bertha briefly returned to assisting young minds in gaining an education at Jackie Robinson Middle School before fully retiring. Throughout her career — whether in classrooms or city offices — she touched innumerable lives through her dedication, compassion, and gentle strength.
Bertha’s life was firmly rooted in her Christian faith, which guided her path each day. A devout mother, she walked in the love of Christ and made every Sunday a sacred family tradition. Together with her husband and the love of her life, the late Dr. James Louis Williams, she ensured their young sons were in church every week, planting in them the seeds of a strong moral foundation. She taught by example, living out the virtues of kindness, humility, and charity that she held dear.
As a loving wife and mother, Bertha devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family. She and James shared a union grounded in love, faith, and mutual respect — a marriage of 53 years that stood as a testament to their devotion. Her home was filled with laughter, prayer, and the aroma of home-cooked meals on Sunday afternoons.
Though James preceded her in death on December 14, 2024, their love remained undiminished. Bertha found strength in her family, friends, and the Lord to carry on, trusting in God’s plan even as she mourned. She is survived by her two beloved sons, Ramsey Louis Williams and Reginald Lamar Williams, who were the pride and joy of her life. Bertha poured her heart into raising them with the same faith and love that defined her own life growing up, and they continue to carry her legacy forward. She also leaves to cherish her memory one brother, Edmond T. Love, Jr., and her youngest sister, Shirley Love Joyner (Edward), along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Besides her husband and parents, Bertha was predeceased by sisters Helen Love, Rosa Lee Love Harris, Eleanor Joyce Love Bradley, and brother Edward Thomas Love, Sr.
Those who knew Bertha will always remember her special smile — soft and reassuring — as well as her caring heart. Her courage and serene resilience were a beacon of inspiration to everyone around her.
Though our hearts are heavy with the loss of her gentle presence, we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace in the arms of her Savior.
As we say goodbye for now, we cherish the memories of her presence and encouraging words. Bertha’s light remains with us. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as her spirit lives on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
A celebration of Bertha’s life will take place Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church, 1324 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. Friends may call Tuesday at the church from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06511. To leave a message of comfort for the Williams family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com