Bertha Headley

Published 12:00 am Thursday, February 25, 2010

Bertha Mae Headley, 82, of County Road 7 in Clanton passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010.

She is survived by four children and their spouses, Donald Ray Headley (Rhoda Acre Headley), Janice Copenhaver (Lt. Col. Oscar Copenhaver), Gary Lee Headley (Amelia Dennis Headley), and Randall Headley (Kathy Bice Headley); sisters Ethel Lett and Inez Cleckler; brothers Jasper Cleckler Jr. and Cecil Cleckler; six grandchildren, Eric Headley (Mary), Jason Copenhaver (Danielle), Jarrad Headley (Nicole), Heather Wright (Davy), Meredith Aldridge (Shane), and Jeremiah Headley; eight great-grandchildren; and a much-loved grand dog, Gus.

Mrs. Headley, born Nov. 12, 1927, was a lifetime resident of Chilton County, where she and her husband, Elmer Lee, raised four children and farmed for more than 50 years. She was a devoted, loving mother and housewife, and Mr. Headley was both a carpenter and a farmer who was well known for his watermelons.

Together, they farmed and provided fruits and vegetables to all their family and friends. She spent countless hours working in her flowers. She attended the Glad Tidings Church of God and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She had a quick wit and enjoyed having a good time. She was best known for her sweet disposition and beautiful smile.

Mrs. Headley now enjoys Heaven’s eternal peace with those who have preceded her in death, her husband of 57 years, Elmer Lee Headley; grandson, Michael David Headley; and sister, Louella Kemp.

The funeral will be held at the Glad Tidings Church of God on Friday, Feb. 26. Ministers officiating the service will be the Rev. Odell Bryant, the Rev. W.L. Adams, and the Rev. Steve Smith and minister Danielle Easterling.
Pallbearers will be members of the Chilton County Sheriff’s Department, Shane Aldridge, Jeremiah Headley, Rocky Mims, Darrell Bone, Keith Crosby and Nathan Willis. Honorary pallbearers will be Grayson Russell, a quick witted, red headed great nephew who provided many hours of enjoyment to her during a difficult time, and grandsons Jason Copenhaver, Davy Wright, Eric Headley and Jarrad Headley.

Music will be provided by her youngest son, Randall, with special singing conducted by Mickey Sansom, Wilma Kelley, Sue Cleckler and Mark Knight.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband and grandson in the Mt. Pisgah/Zion Ridge Cemetery.

This matriarch carried her family’s heart and soul and blessed her family with a wonderful character and disposition. She was the torchbearer of God’s spiritual light and led her family, including her husband, to God’s grace.

These scriptures best describe her: Proverbs 31:25-28 says, “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom: and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”

She will be deeply missed, and all look forward to reuniting with her at God’s appointed time.