Bertha Duplantis Smith was born to J.J. and Lizzie Bell Duplantis on October 27, 1914, in LaBelle, Texas. She went home to plant flowers with God on April 7, 2013, at Calder Woods surrounded by family and friends.
Bertha was a housewife who loved LaBelle, the country, her flowers, and birds. She was an independent person who was able to live at home until she was 98½ years old. Bertha even drove until 1998, when at the age of 83; her foot slipped off the brake and drove her all-time favorite vehicle into her garage door.
Church was important to Bertha and she spent many hours praying for family and friends. She also loved children and taught kindergarteners in Sunday school at Roberts Avenue Methodist Church. In her later years, she was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church faithfully watching the sermons on television each Sunday. Bertha derived much joy from her favorite part of the service, Children’s Church.
Bertha enjoyed cooking and will be remembered for her great desserts.
She is preceded in death, by her husband of forty-one years, Floyd; parents; brother, Belford Duplantis; sisters, Ellen Hargraves Brown and Pearle Weddell; and nephews, George Weddell and Jimmy Weddell.
Survivors include her daughter, Sandra Joyce Melton; numerous nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and great nephews.
Bertha’s family wished to thank the staff at Calder Woods and Buckner Hospice for the tender care and concern shown to her in the last five weeks of life.
Her graveside service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 10, 2013, at Burrell Cemetery, LaBelle, under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to LaBelle-Fannett Volunteer Fire and EMS Department, 18769 FM 365, Beaumont Texas 77705.
