Bertha Richards (Moore)

Bertha Moore Richards was born on December 16, 1931 in Gary, Indiana, to loving and Christian parents, Dennis and Alberta Moore. As a baby her parents had her blessed and dedicated to God at the First Baptist Church of Gary, Indiana under the pastorate of the late Rev. Charles E. Hawkins.
She grew up in the Church attending and participating in many activities and organizations of the Church. She attended Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and the Baptist Training Union. On March 28, 1943 at the age of eleven and she professed her faith in Christ and was baptized by the late Rev. Charles E. Hawkins. She was a secretary for the Cradle Roll Department of the Sunday School, of whom her mother, Alberta Moore, was the superintendent. Her father, Dennis Moore, was General Superintendent of the Sunday School for 40 years. She was a member of the Red Circle Girls of the General Missionary Society and a member of the Junior Choir and the Youth Drama Club. In her early twenties she became the first president of the Miriam Circle of the General Missionary Society and served in that office several other times. She was the one who suggested naming the Circle “Miriam” after Moses’ sister Miriam. She remained a devout and active member as long as she resided in Gary. She continued close contact with the Circle even after moving from the area.
At the age of five she began taking piano lessons from the late Mrs. Rosa Ashcraft. Later, she took piano lessons from the late Mrs. Esther Powell and continued through her early teens. She was in various piano recitals and often played the piano for activities and meetings at the Church.
Bertha attended Roosevelt High School of Gary, Indiana. She was a member of the French Club, the Boosters and the National Honor Society. She was also the secretary of her graduating class. She graduated in the Class of 1950 as an Honor Student. She furthered her education by attending Roosevelt University, Chicago, Illinois. Her major was Elementary Education. She also attended Southwest College, Los Angeles, California.
On July 26, 1952, Bertha and Luther C. Richards were married at the First Baptist Church of Gary, Indiana by the Rev. Ivor Moore. To this union one daughter was born, Patricia Diane. She was born Wednesday, July 22, 1953, at St. Mary’s Mercy Hospital, Gary, Indiana.
On November 5, 1981, Bertha moved from Gary, Indiana to Inglewood, California. Shortly after moving there she joined Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. H. B. Charles, Sr.
In February, 1989, she moved to Hawthorne, California. In July 1995, she moved her membership to First New Christian Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angeles, California under the pastorate of Rev. Norman S. Johnson, Sr. She joined the Lily of the Valley Missionary Circle and was asked to fill the position of recording secretary. She graciously accepted the position and faithfully served until she moved from California.
In June 2006, Bertha moved to Arlington, Texas. She visited several churches in the area before selecting Bethlehem Baptist Church, Mansfield, Texas, as her Church home. In November 2006, she joined Bethlehem and immediately began attending Wednesday morning Bible Study Class. She also joined the Seasoned Saints Ministry of the Church. She volunteered to be a member of the Phone Brigade which kept members informed of upcoming events. She was also a member of the Tribe of Levi.
Bertha’s history of employment expands over 38 years. Her first job was secretary in the offices of Berndt and Hulfish Consulting Engineers, at Dearborn and Van Buren, Chicago, Illinois. Later she was legal secretary in the Law Offices of Fritz Alexander and Nathan Glover, Gary, Indiana. She worked in the states of Indiana, Illinois and California for Sears, Roebuck & Co. for 22 years. In Indiana, she was supervisor in the Credit Department at the Sears store at 813 Broadway, Gary, Indiana. When Sears moved to Southlake Mall in Merrillville, Indiana, she became secretary to the Store Controller and later, credit investigator in the Credit Department. She received a promotion and was transferred to the Sears Credit Administration Offices at River Oaks, in Calumet City, Illinois. When she moved to California, she requested and was granted a transfer to the Torrance, California Credit Administration Offices. When Sears closed the Torrance office, she became employed by Atlas Auto Leasing, Los Angeles, California, in the Credit and Collection Department. After retiring, she worked part-time for American Greeting Cards.
Bertha could be seen traveling the streets of Arlington and Mansfield with her best friend, Sis. Jearldean Isom. They were affectionately known as “Thelma & Louise,” and could be seen shopping in Walmart or Sam’s Club, stopping for a hot dog and drink. Her hobbies were reading and studying the Bible. She kept in touch with family and friends through her greeting card ministry.
She was deeply devoted to her family and friends and loved helping people. She always tried to share a kind encouraging word for those whom she came in contact.
Bertha leaves to cherish her precious memory, her daughter, Patricia Diane Hauser; her granddaughter Patrice Shanelle (Stacy) Dennis; her great-grandson, Justin Nicholas (Dominique) Dennis; her great-granddaughter, Sydney Noelle Dennis; her pride and joy, great-great-grandson, Tyler Joseph (T.J.) Dennis; very special daughters, Gwendolyn Plair of Calumet City, Illinois, Samantha Lewis of Arlington, Texas, Ericka Mock of Colton, California; Honorary son, Donald (Lori) Harts of Arlington, Texas and a host of family and friends.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my cause, I have kept the faith. Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.” II Timothy 4:7-8
So when my last breath shall rend the veil in Twain By Death I shall escape from death and life eternal gain.