Bertha M. Eichelberger

Bertha Mae Eichelberger was born on December 20, 1947, in Creston, Louisiana, to Robert Sr. and Bethel Williams. The eighth of nine children, Bertha grew up surrounded by family, faith, and the kind of love and togetherness that would remain important to her throughout her life. She graduated from Bethune High School in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1966.

Her faith became a foundation early in life when she accepted Christ at St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. Throughout the years, she continued her walk of faith at Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri.

In 1966, Bertha moved to Kansas City with her sisters, beginning of a beautiful new chapter. Just a few months later, she met the love of her life, Lavon Eichelberger. Their love story was one that simply felt meant to be. After almost a year and a half of knowing eachother, the two were married on November 30, 1968, beginning a loving partnership that would span nearly 58 years.

Their family grew with the birth of their daughter, Tonya, in 1970, followed ten years later by their son, Aaron, in 1980. Through every season of life, family remained at the center of Bertha’s heart.

Bertha was also a hardworking woman. She dedicated nearly 30 years to Western Electric/AT&T and later spent 16 years with Lipton Teas before retiring. Retirement simply gave her more time to enjoy the things that made her happy—and Bertha knew how to enjoy life.

She loved getting dressed up, putting on her makeup, finding the perfect outfit, and making a trip to the “Half & Half” store. She loved to travel, whether the journey was by car, plane, or boat. She enjoyed her television shows, long conversations on the phone, music, celebrations, family gatherings, laughter, and simply having a good time. Bertha loved life, and she wore that joy proudly.

But more than anything, she loved people—especially her family.

Bertha was a devoted wife and mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, a beloved sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She had a special way of making room in her heart for everyone she encountered. Her personality filled a room, her conversations could keep you laughing, and in her presence, very few people ever felt like strangers.

On September 4, 2026, surrounded by her husband, daughter, and granddaughters, Bertha peacefully completed her earthly journey. She leaves behind not only memories, but a lifetime of love, laughter, stories, lessons, and moments that her family will carry for generations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Williams Sr. and Bethel Williams; her beloved son, Aaron L. Eichelberger; and her siblings, Dossie R. Washington, Doris J. Gant, Robert Williams Jr., and Melvin Thomas.

Our Queen leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband, Lavon Eichelberger; her daughter, Tonya Eichelberger; her grandchildren, Tiara Parker (Jimere Parker), Sha’Koya Wilson, Rayvyn Wagner, Avery Eichelberger, Amara Eichelberger, Aaron Eichelberger Jr., Alyse Eichelberger, Ainsley Eichelberger, Lovely, and Norah: her great-grandchildren, Kadyn Brody, Romelo Williams, Karter Williams, Londyn Parker, Legend Parker, and Legacy Parker; her sisters, Leila Singleton (Ace) and Josephine Williams (Vondorse); her brother, Arthur Lee Williams (Shirley); and a beautiful host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, church family and friends whom she loved dearly.

Bertha Mae’s beautiful life will continue through every story we tell, every laugh we remember, every lesson we carry, and every bit of love she poured into everyone she met!

There will never be another Bertha Mae.