Bertha Ann Jackson

Bertha would say, “Don’t brag about me, the LORD knows my story.
The human side of my obituary will say something that might define who I am.” 

Bertha Ann Jackson, 86, passed to eternal life on Thursday, January 4, 2024, in Philadelphia, Pa. Born on July 1, 1937, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late William L. Jackson, Sr. and Ruth A. (Tucker) Jackson. 

She was the first black-appointed Director of the Federal Claims Department at Independence Blue Cross of Philadelphia, Pa. She was advised, “If you have more like you at home, send them here (smile).” 

Bertha graduated from Carlisle High School class of 1956. She attended and graduated from several colleges and institutes of learning. Learning was her forté. She said all the time “Learn beyond the status quo.” She graduated from the Graduate Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, of Philadelphia, Pa. Praise the LORD, she graduated from Temple “Summa Cum Laude”, and was advised that she could go anywhere she wanted to if she wished to continue. She helped to make certain that pertinent information was extended to the authorities to keep the Blockson Library alive at Sullivan Hall. The most beautiful Old Halls of Ivy in her opinion. 

Bertha was a previous member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church of Carlisle, Pa. She later joined the Wesley AME Zion Church of Philadelphia, Pa., and became the local President of the Womens Home & Overseas Missionary Society at the Wesley AME Zion Church. 

Most of all, Bertha loved the LORD!!! She worked tirelessly in HIS NAME. Bertha was so overtaken with love, peace, and joy when she went to the HOLYLAND. After visiting the Wailing Wall, she had a strange undertaking she could not explain. The expression on her face said something special. However, we will never know. 

Bertha was baptized in the River Jordon by Reverend Bowden of Harrisburg, Pa, and Bishop Milton William Sr. She was so overwhelmed because her eyes had seen some of the places where Jesus walked, prayed, and was crucified. WOW! What an awesome experience. Bertha knew she was blessed and said over and over “Thank you, JESUS, Thank you, LORD, Thank you GOD for all of these blessings AMEN. I have traveled the whole world more than once.” 

Now we hope GOD will say, Welcome back to ME my Good and Faithful Servant. Your work is complete here. Come to ME in peace and no pain AMEN. 

Bertha is survived by one brother Frank (Linda) Jackson of Mt. Holly Springs, and two sisters; Rev. Dr. Edith Werdebach and Mary Lewis, both of Carlisle. She also leaves behind her dear and devoted friend of several years, Ruth M. Ritter. Preceding her death were her three brothers, William, Edward, and Roger Jackson, and two sisters, Eleanor Spencer Rosado and Mae Wright.