Bertha Congo
Bertha Mae West Congo, 87, formerly of Chattanooga, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at her daughter’s residence in Mableton, Georgia.
Bertha was born on Feb. 24, 1935, in Dayton, Tn., to the late Mr. Esco West and Mrs. Melvin Freeman West Holland. Her family moved to Chattanooga, Tn., where she attended Howard High School. Bertha was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church for 25 years. During Bertha’s early years of life, she became a member of the NAACP and was inducted into the ELKS Lodge. She was a very active member for both organizations where she was dedicated and loved at heart.
Our mother and granny were forever thankful, grateful, and appreciative to her employer Selma Cash Paty for 45 years of taking care of the home front. Pam, Charlie, Alexander, Ralph and Gaye who we love dearly, you will always be a part of Cheryl, Albert, Norman and Mario’s life. Thank you for the love and support.
Bertha was preceded in death by her sister, Joann West and Elizabeth West Bills; mother, Melvin Freeman West Holland.
Bertha loved planting flowers and trees in her yard.
Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl S. McKeldin of Mableton, GA; son, Albert Congo; grandchildren, Norman McKeldin (Pamela) and Mario (Melissa) McKeldin, great-grandchildren, Koby McKeldin, Anasia McKeldin, Mason Miller McKeldin, Tyree Morris, Maya Peterson, Ivy Johnson, Christian Bell, CJ Bell, and Heaven Bell; sister, Margaret West; devoted nephew, Robert Sloan; devoted friends, Veronica Peterson and Jacqueline Bell; a host of nieces; nephews; cousin; other relatives and friends.
Bertha will lie in state on Friday, Feb. 10, from 12:30-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 1 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. Priscilla Wallace as the eulogist.
Burial will be on Monday, Feb. 13, at 11 a.m. in Highland Memorial Gardens.