Bertha West

Bertha Lois West was born on April 22, 1935 in Glendora, Mississippi. She was born to her parents Mae Ola and Herman Sewell, and was the 9th of 13 children, whom all lived on a farm in the rural South. Bertha, affectionately nicknamed “Bert” and “Grandma Bert”, lived an illustrious life, giving birth to her first born baby girl Linda “Tweet” Thigpen in Glendora, Mississippi at 19 years old before moving to St. Louis, Missouri, where she met her husband, Louis Joseph West. Together they would have four more children, Louis Joe West, Brenda West, LaVerne “Bonnie” Rogers, and Gregory West. Bertha always had love for helping people, so she worked in the healthcare industry for well over thirty years, serving first as an Executive Assistant at a Missouri Hospital, and then as a nurse’s aide for almost 20 years thereafter. Bertha had a zest for life, and in her later years enjoyed dancing, cooking for her family, spending time with her family, traveling, and watching her beloved NBA team, The Golden State Warriors play basketball on TV. Bertha was a guiding light to her children and grandchildren, and was also known to have a sharp tongue and quick wit that would rival most comedians. Her laughter, fiery spirit, and loving heart will be greatly missed. Bertha’s legacy includes 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and 10 great- grandchildren.