Berthel Fitzgerald

The Life of Bethal Jackson Fitzgerald, sweetly known as “Bert,” began on July 7, 1937, in Bastrop, Texas. She was born to Lanas and Mae Ollie Jackson. Bert attended the public schools of Texas, named Coupland Public School and Blackshear School, during her education. She welcomed God into her life at an early age. She has always had a Strong Christian foundation throughout her entire life. Bert loved and trusted in God. She grew up in Zion Chapel Baptist Church in Taylor, Texas, and later in life, she joined, supported, and worked with Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Taylor, Texas. There, she maintained her faithful services until her health failed. Bert had dual membership when her daughter, Reverend Kathleen, accepted her calling to the ministry and organized today's church, the Imperfect Denomination Church of Taylor.   She supported and worked hard with her daughter’s church.  She held the position of “Mother of the Church.”

Berthel has always been a hard worker, starting at an early age. She worked for Sweet Briar Nursing Home, Sun Side Nursing Home, and Life Drive Nursing Home in Taylor, Texas, mostly as a nursing aid. With much experience in the medical field, holding true to her motto: ‘see one, do one, show one,’ Bert did Home Health Care, helping many families to take care of their loved ones.  She had many hobbies that she enjoyed, including but not limited to sewing, fishing, hunting, and shooting pool. Her family praised her as the best cook in the World. She loved her children and grandchildren very much, and there were boundaries for them.  She was loved by her family and friends, holding a special place for each of them in her heart at any given time. 

Her Legacy Will Live On

Bert leaves to cherish her precious memories her children and grandchildren, Reverend Kathleen and her husband, David Amboree, and their children: Izelia Davis, Tyrone Davids, Nate Bethal Eason of Taylor; Vanessa Fitzgerald and her children: Iyshia Bethal Eason, Samontae Douglas; Zykia Gardner of Dallas;  Lillian Jackson and her children: Barry Jackson, Larry Jackson, and Jessica Jackson of Taylor; William Wayne Jackson (‘Jacky’) and his children: Hardy Jackson, and Felisha Jackson of Taylor; William Lee Collins (‘Big Juice’) and his children: Terrance Collins, Tosharia Collins, and Edgar Anderson of Taylor; and the   Late Ray Hatch’s children: Rayetta Hatch, Donray Hatch and Otis Hatch of Taylor. Bert was the Big Granny to twenty-eight grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bert's legacy will long be with her best friend and sister, Ms. Johnnie May Patterson, of Taylor. 

Bert will live on in her beautiful family and friends' hearts.

“Finally Made It”

Burt led an active and fulfilling life for the Love of her family and friends. Her legacy is priceless and will live on forever. Burt is preceded in death by her parents, Lanus, and Mae Oille Jackson; eight sisters – Seymore Bradford, Myrtle Young, Marie Thoams, Ruby Lee Brown, Annie Mae Thomas, and Rosetta Hodge, Ella Smith, and Willie Burleson; four brothers – Harris Jackson, William Jackson, Henry Lee Jackson, Hardy Jackson, and her beloved, son, Ray Hatch. All are waiting on Burt at the Heavenly Gates.

Family and friends will gather for a Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home on Friday, May 10th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.  A Wake will follow at 7:00 PM with Reverand Bunnie Stark and Reverend Kathleen Eason Amboree presiding.  A Graveside Service will be held at Clearview Cemetery on Saturday, May 11th at 11:00 AM.