Bertha M. Paige (August 16, 1932 – June 09, 2023)

Bertha Mae Paige, fondly known as Tootsie to many, was born on August 16th, 1932 in Washington County, town of Harrison, Georgia to the late Theodore Snell, Jr.  and Neppie Simmons.  She was the oldest of 3 children born to this union.  She is preceded in death by her parents and brother Theodore Snell Jr., sister Dina Snell and Son, Jeffrey Paige.  She was married to Hezekiah Walker-Paige and to this union gave birth to 6 children.

She retired in 1996 from Orange County Public Schools.  She served over 25 years as a school food service worker for Winter Park Jr. High and Lakemont Elementary developing life-long friendships with her co-workers and loving relationships with the kids

Bertha joined New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in 1957.  She was a faithful member and in her earlier years served on Usher Board #1 and was Church secretary.  She loved and adored her Church Family.  She also was a member of the Bridge Builders Club; a group promoting racial unity in the Winter Park Community.

She loved to shop and dine out with friends.  She also loved to travel in her early years often visiting South Florida, Georgia, Fayetteville, NC and Tallahassee to visit family.  She would cruised with her Church family to the Bahamas and visited California, Mexico, and Las Vegas.

On June 9th, 2023, God in His infinite wisdom and mercy saw that Bertha had finished her assignment.  He spoke softly and said,  “it is done! I am well pleased.”  He gently called the name Bertha Mae Paige, saying. ” Your work here on earth is now complete.  You are now invited to come home.”

Bertha leaves to cherish her memories (5) LOVING AND DEDICATED CHILDREN: Windell Paige (Bonita), Dewayne Paige (Evelyn), Glenn Paige (Sylvia), Gloria Williams and Susan Paige;  (19) GRANDCHILDREN whom she loved and adored;  73 GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN and (12) GREAT-GREAT GRANDCHILDREN; as well as a host of loving and caring nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and Church members.