Bertha Mae Acree

On Tuesday, November 6, 2018 Bertha Mae Acree, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend received her wings at the age of 76. Bertha was proceeded by her parents, Walter and Minnie Branch, her husband William “Bill” Edward Acree, sisters; Aretha (Chicago), Verlina (Memphis), Mildred (Carbondale), Rosie (Arkansas), Brother; Walter Lee (Marion), Cousin Emma (Chicago), Grandchildren: Brandon, Delondon, Ta’Lesheia, Zhion and Brashea, thirteen brothers, and grandparents. Bertha was born in West Memphis, Arkansas on December 29, 1942 to Walter Branch and Minnie L. (Williams) Branch. Bertha was united in holy matrimony to William Edward Acree on November 12, 1966 in Marion and to this union were 7 children. Bertha was loved by many as she loved her family and friends, Bertha accepted Christ at an early age and she rededicated her life to the Lord in 1984 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Marion, Illinois under the leadership of Rev. Kevin K. Owens. She was a devoted Christian, prayer warrior, she enjoyed singing in the choir and people often came to her for prayer and advice.  She always had an open door, kind words without judging and a pure heart.  Her hobbies included: fishing, crocheting, listening to Lee Williams, watching Madea, reading her Bible, watching Family Feud, Forensics File, Investigation Discovery Channel, Walker Texas Ranger, Animal Planet, and was a true fan of the Lakers and Kentucky Wildcats. Bertha retired from Olin/General Dynamics after being employed for over 30 years. Bertha leaves to cherish her memory seven children; Sheila Buchanan of Marion, Kimmie Acree of Carbondale, Monica (Johnny) Acree-Purchase of Grand Chain, Cheryl Acree of Marion, Sean Acree of Marion, Latoya Acree of Houston, Texas, Shownya Acree of Marion; Sister Shirley Powell of Marion, Pinkie (Mary) Steiger of Chicago, Walter S. Branch of Carbondale; special niece Anita Baugard of Chicago; special sisters Lorene Bevely of Colp and Wilma Threlkeld of Marion; cousin Aubrey Harris Reed of Florida and special friend Sis. Lee of Marion, Clarence Harrington of Carbondale and Virginia Swanson of Marion; grandchildren: Antwan, Antonio, Myles, Dre, Mason, Shaterra, Brelaya, Kamauria, Shawniece, Shai, Raysean, Shawnye, Rashonna Kani, Taysean, Damyzha, Island, Kimmia, Little Sean, Katianna, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great grandkids, close relatives and friends. Acknowledgement The family of Bertha Mae Acree acknowledges with deep appreciation every expression of kindness and sympathy shown to them during the period of illness and bereavement, every visit, call, tribute and prayer. Your kindness will be long remembered.  May GOD bless each of you. The Family