CUMBERLAND COUNTY, June 24 – Bertha “Berta” Ross Booker, 83, of Cumberland County died Monday, June 21, 2010 at Holly Manor at The Woodland in Farmville. She entered this world on September 9, 1926, one of seven children born to Willie Washington and Anna Pryor Ross. She was the widow of Robert Thaxton Booker.

She was reared at Forkland Farms in Cumberland County and for most of her life lived in the house in which she was born. She continued to make Forkland Farms her home up until her recent illness. “Berta” became a full-time employee and family member of the Hazlegrove family in 1945, and lovingly served the family for the next 65 years. During that time, she cared for three generations of Hazlegrove children and their many uncles, aunts, and cousins. She will always be fondly remembered for her bread-making and her ability to 'divide the fishes and loaves' to feed hungry visitors who would unexpectedly be invited for a meal. “Berta” was responsible for preparing many a dinner meal for the many workers employed on Forkland Farms for over a half century. At wheat thrashing in July, silo filling in September, and hog killing in December, she would feed as many as one dozen men and women on a daily basis. No one ever left hungry. She enjoyed holidays, guests, preparing big dinners, and keeping abreast of the everyday lives of those that she has cared for over the past 65 years.

She was a loyal and faithful life-long member of Midway Baptist Church on the Guinea Road in Cumberland County where she thoroughly enjoyed services, covered dish lunches, and attending revivals. She loved music and would often sing hymns while working.

She is survived by one sister, Blanche Ross Booker of Paramus, New Jersey and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by Aurelia Varner Hazlegrove, the Hazlegrove children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A special thank you is extended to her loving caregivers of “The Woodland.” Memorials may be made to Midway Baptist Church.

Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Friday, June 25, at Eggleston Funeral Establishment.

A graveside service is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, June 26, at Midway Baptist Church. Eggleston Funeral Establishment, Farmville, is in charge of arrangements.