Mother Bertha Mae Doughty

Bertha Mae Doughty, beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Columbus community, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2023, at the blessed age of 101. Born on August 2, 1922, in Columbus, Ohio, Bertha lived a life filled with love, faith, and dedication to her family and community.

Bertha was a woman of strength and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on the lives she touched. She graduated from Central High School went on to become a respected Matron in the City School System, working diligently for the Columbus Board of Education. She also was a noted professional seamstress and instructor and Tailor for family and loved ones. Bertha’s unwavering commitment to her profession earned her the admiration and respect of her colleagues and students alike.

Bertha will forever be remembered as a devoted servant of God. Her faith played a central role in her life, leading her to join Highway Church of God, where she serviced as president of the choir. Later, when her brother-in-law, Rev. Shellie R. Doughty, Sr., became the pastor of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, Bertha and her family followed suit. At Mt. Hermon, she served as the esteemed president of the Inspirational Choir, lending her beautiful soprano voice to praise God. Bertha’s dedication to sharing her talent extended even into her golden years, as she joyfully sang with the choir at the Champion Adult Daycare Center, entertaining at various nursing facilities and receiving recognition for their remarkable performance at The Ohio State House.

Beyond her musical contributions, Bertha held the esteemed position of Church Mother at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. Also, served as president of the Loyal Ladies Ministry under the guidance of Pastor G. Thomas Turner, Sr. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering faith and love left an everlasting impact on the congregation. She later reunited with her previous church family at Mt. Hermon, where her support commitment to the Lord remained steadfast until her passing.

Bertha’s love and care extended far beyond the walls of her church. She routinely shared her baking and cooking expertise during the holiday season by inviting family, friends, and neighbors to dine and fellowship. She was a pillar of strength for her entire family, leaving a lasting legacy of love and compassion. She was preceded in death by parents, John H. and Camille Clark; her loving and devoted husband for 56 years, Earnest Cornelius Doughty, Sr.; sons, Earnest, Jr., Larry Doughty and sibling Martha Abbott, John Clark, Cinderella Hampton, and James Clark.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter and caretaker, Camille Doughty-Banner, her devoted daughter-in-law, Evelyn Doughty and her grandchildren: Toilya Doughty, Trenca Rudder, Tiffanie (Robert) Reed, Daryll Wright, Shawnya (Lamont) Hardiman, Gary Banner Jr, Tonyen Doughty, LeAnna Doughty, and Carissa Durant. Additionally, Bertha is survived by a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever remember her infectious laughter and warm embrace. My friend Gloria Tyler who is closer than a sister, adopted mother as her second mom immediately following her mother’s Homegoing service in 1971.

Visitation 9:00am and Funeral 10:00am Saturday December 9, 2023, at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church 2283 Sunbury Rd. Bishop Donald J. Washington, Eulogist. Bertha will be laid to rest next to her husband in Glen Rest Memorial Estates.

In her time with us, Bertha Mae Doughty touched countless lives and bestowed upon us all the gift of love and faith. Her spirit will forever be a guiding light in our hearts. May her soul rest in eternal peace.