Rev. Dr. Bertha D. Johnson

Bertha Delores LaRosa Francis Brown was born on Sunday March 9, 1924, to Bishop Pearl Robert and Mrs. Bertha Minnie Brown in New Castle, Delaware. She was the fourth child, the baby girl, and although her brother Harold Isaac was born after her, she was affectionately called (even by him) “Little Bertha”. It is likely not coincidental that she was born on a Sunday, because her entire life was epitomized by her service to God and mankind. She was a virtuous woman; remembered the Sabbath and kept it holy throughout her entire life. When Bertha was a young girl, her family moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She was educated in Somerset and Dorchester Counties in Maryland. She was smart, creative, adventurous, and was her high school valedictorian. Bertha remained an avid reader and creative writer, literally, until she died. In witness of her love for literature her children and grand children kept vigil over her sick bed, taking turns reading her original poems to her. One by one. Education was very important to Bertha. She stressed to her children that no one can take away your knowledge. Those things captured in your heart and your mind remain yours. Immediately after high school Bertha married the love of her life, Ivy H Chester. From this union ten children were born. After the fifth child, they moved to Baltimore, MD where they doubled their family size and their opportunities to succeed in life. Bertha returned to school, attending Coppin State Teacher’s College and Wesley Theological Seminary; ultimately becoming a teacher and a preacher/pastor. She opened the “All Believers” non-denominational Church, whose premise was “All Things Are Possible, if you Only Believe”. After the death of her husband, Ivy Chester Sr., she married her beloved husband Clifton A. Johnson, who was her biggest supporter in her work in the ministry. Reverend Bertha D Johnson became one of the first female pastors in the United Methodist Church Conference and served as an ordained clergy for sixty-five years (65). God, Faith, and Family was her mantra. She always strived for and achieved excellence, which is why she once again returned to the seminary and achieved her Doctorate in Theology – becoming Reverend Doctor Mom to her children.

Tributes

Rev. Dr. Bertha D. Johnson

March 9, 1924 - July 31, 2021