Mrs. Bertha Mae Ellison, 67, was born to the late Samuel Ulysses Johnson and Lily Belle Williams Johnson on January 1, 1952, in Pinewood, South Carolina. She accepted the call to God and departed this life in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 25, 2019 at Prisma Health Tuomey, Sumter, South Carolina. While loved ones certainly hoped for more time with her, she departed this life in the same way she lived – on her own terms and in her own time.

Throughout her life, she was resilient and hard working. She earned her Associates Degree from Central Carolina Technical College and served 21 years as a Lead Teacher for School District 17 Early Childhood Development. As a lifelong member of New Hope Union Methodist Episcopal Church, she served as a Vacation Bible School Teacher.

Living a life full of love and generosity, she has touched the lives of many people. Her love for people was unmatched. Of all the people in Bertha's life, she loved none more than her three children. She had a special way of forming a unique bond with each of her children and was so proud of their many accomplishments. She was, most certainly, especially proud of the way each of her children inherited the same kindness and generosity that she modeled for them in how she treated people every day.

Loving and beautiful memories will be cherished by her three children: Rhonda Ellison of Stafford, Virginia; Corey (Meleah) Ellison of Charlotte, North Carolina; and Kendric Ellison of Sumter, South Carolina; one sister, Betty Ann Pearson of Sumter, South Carolina; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and loved ones, including her dear friend, James Canty of New York, New York.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her influential grandparents, Mrs. Virginia "Ellie" Wheeler and Mrs. Rosa "Lila" D. Johnson; one brother: John Earl Farmer; and her longtime love, Mr. James "Freddie" Stephens.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 31, 2019 at 11am until the hour of the service at New Hope UME Church.

Funeral Services will be held at 12pm on Friday, May 31, 2019 at New Hope UME Church 19022 Panola Road Sumter, SC 29125, with Rev. Lawrence Myers, Pastor, Officiating and Bishop Leroy T. James, Eulogist.

Interment will follow in New Hope Community Cemetery.

Job's Mortuary, Inc., 312 S. Main Street is in charge of arrangements.