Bertha Anderson

Bertha Estelle Anderson, aged 101, of Dahlonega, Georgia, passed away on January 4, 2024, succored by the loving comfort of her daughter, Rita, and attending hospice care.

Bertha was born the 14th of November, 1923 in Hall County, Georgia, the daughter of Rufus and Mary (“Mollie”) Elizabeth Anderson Ledford.

She graduated from Lumpkin County High School in 1942, and inspired by her love of teaching, she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Education at North Georgia College in Dahlonega, GA in 1960.

Bertha married Tom Ward Anderson on December 28, 1948 in Lumpkin County, GA, giving birth to their daughter, Rita, two years later. A devoted wife, mother, and daughter, Bertha cared for her husband throughout his prolonged illness, while also supporting both her and his aging parents. She raised her daughter in a vibrant community of educators and the local Baptist church. Her deep care for family extended to her two grandchildren, Leslie and Will, to whom she imparted a love of learning.

For 41 years, Bertha served as an Elementary school teacher for the Lumpkin County Board of Education. She retired from teaching 4th grade in 1984 to enjoy time with her first grandchild.

Bertha celebrated life through numerous pastimes, including vegetable gardening, baking, reading, and exercise. Providing for her family and friends through her talent for growing and cooking food was her most profound form of loving expression, from the best coconut cake the world has ever tasted to her comforting pot of chicken and dumplings. Her holiday table saw a copious spread of sweet and savory delights. For Bertha, love looked like stocking her loved ones’ freezers with creamed corn and sending home leftovers that would last a week. Some of her luckiest beneficiaries were her grandchildren, who she blessed with trips to the library, hand-sewn Halloween costumes, and many a cozy sleepover.

Bertha was a member of Dahlonega Baptist Church, where she grew her faith in among many church organizations, including the Crabtree Circle Missionary group, the TEL Sunday School class, and the Joyful Hearts group. Additionally, after retiring from the classroom, Bertha held a life membership with the Lumpkin Co. Retired Education Associated through which she earned four certificates of appreciation, a leadership award, and a community service award. In 1999, her community elected her to the honored position of Dahlonega Gold Rush Queen to preside over that year’s fall celebration.

Remaining to cherish Bertha's memory are her child, Rita McAbee, and Rita’s husband, Randy McAbee; grandchildren, Will McAbee (Tasha) and Leslie McAbee (Kevin Chovanec); great-grandchildren, Jane, Emma, and Sam Chovanec.

Preceding her in death are her spouse, Tom W. Anderson; parents, Rufus and Mollie Ledford; brothers, Frank, J.D., R.W., and Jack Ledford; sisters, Nell Ledford Ingram and Myrtle Ledford Sullens.

Memorial donations in Bertha's memory may be directed to Dahlonega Baptist Church Benevolence Ministry.