Bertha Lee (Cherry) Lawson

Ms. Bertha Lee (Cherry) Lawson, 86, of New Haven, Connecticut, formerly of North Carolina passed away on Friday, July 5, 2024, in Woodbridge, Connecticut. 

Mother Lawson's Legacy

Mother Bertha Lee Lawson, age 86, transitioned from this earthly life into eternal rest on Friday, July 5, 2024, peacefully at Autumn Lake Healthcare at the Willows, 225 Amity Road, Woodbridge, CT  06525. She was born on December 12, 1937, in Edgecombe County, NC to the late Walter Lee Cherry, Sr. and Eris Virginia Forsythe Cherry.

Bertha received her formal education from Edgecombe County Public Schools. After her educational endeavors, she later met and married the late Samuel Johnson Jr. From this union, God blessed them with three children:  Vanessa Johnson, Samuel Johnson III, and Iella Hinton. Later in life she met and married the late Bill Lawson and relocated to South Carolina for a brief time with her final life’s journey leading her back to Connecticut.

Bertha Lee Lawson was a God-fearing woman and a humble servant who loved the Lord. With God’s help he conquered many hills and mountains during his 86 years of life. Her testimony motto was “I thank God for being here!”  She was a member of Greater Mt. Carmel Pentecostal Church for 25 years. She faithfully served as Mother until her health prevented her in the last four months. Bertha joined St. James Unified Freewill Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Bishop Arlester and Co-pastor Mildred Coward. She accepted Christ in her life and received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. She also served as an usher.

When Bertha smiled, it touched you and when you asked her how you are feeling, she would say I feel all right even if she were in pain she would never complaints.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Samuel Johnson, III.; one grandson, Lorenzo Johnson; three brothers, Rudolph Cherry, Carl Pittman, Emeritus Moderator Walter Cherry, Jr.; and one sister, Cassandra Lancaster.

Bertha leaves to cherish her memories: two daughters; Vanessa Johnson of New Haven, CT and Iella Hinton (Clarence) of Rocky Mount, NC; three brothers, Gus Cherry of Whitakers, NC, Bishop Eddie Cherry, Sr. of New Haven, CT, and William Cherry of Hamden, CT; eight sisters, Mae Davis (Willie) of Charlotte, NC, Jennie Brown of New Haven, CT, Pastor Mary Ransome (Willie) of Hamden, CT, Barbara Rosario (Hector) of Bronx, NY, Patricia Cherry of Rocky Mount, NC, Shirley Cherry-Gary (Rickey) of West Haven, CT, Gloria Pryor (Willie) of Whitakers, NC, and Clementine Whitaker (Mark) of Rocky Mount, NC; five grandchildren, Ebony Johnson, Samuel Junior Johnson, Phillip Johnson, Nastassja Hylton, Shinika Johnson, and Samuel Johnson IV;, five great-grandchildren, Samuel J. Johnson, Shyane Snipes, Taniya Brake, Kinsley Garrett, to also include her  great-furgrandchild, Bella Rose Johnson; an incredibly special friend, Evangelist Gracie Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel Street, New Haven, CT, 06511

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Heavenly Arms Family Mortuary & Cremation Services, 201 Water Street Tarboro, NC, 27886.

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