Greenville Community Remembers the Life and Legacy of Bertha Gaynelle Williams

GREENVILLE, N.C. — The Greenville community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Bertha Gaynelle Williams, who passed away peacefully at her residence on Norcott Circle. Her passing, announced with deep sorrow by the staff and management of Blake Phillips Funeral Home, marks the end of a life filled with faith, service, and unwavering love for her family and neighbors.

Bertha Gaynelle Williams was a woman of quiet strength and deep compassion. She built her life around caring for others—her children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends—and her presence in the community was as constant as it was comforting. Her home at 1805 Norcott Circle was not just a place of residence but a hub of warmth, where love and faith were daily rituals.

Those who knew her speak of her as a woman who led by example. She didn’t seek the spotlight, but her acts of kindness never went unnoticed. Whether she was preparing a meal for a grieving family, caring for a sick neighbor, or offering encouragement to someone going through hard times, Bertha always showed up—without being asked, without expecting anything in return.

“She was truly one of a kind,” said a longtime friend and neighbor. “She had a calming presence and a heart full of grace. You always left her home feeling better than when you arrived.”

Her deep spiritual life was a guiding force throughout her journey. As a dedicated member of her local church, Bertha was involved in numerous ministries over the years. She sang in the choir with joy and volunteered behind the scenes, helping organize holiday drives, women’s fellowships, and support for families in crisis. Her faith wasn’t something she spoke about loudly—it was something she lived every day.

Professionally, Bertha was known for her reliability and diligence. She worked hard throughout her life, often balancing her responsibilities at home with those at work, and her colleagues remember her as dependable, thoughtful, and always ready to lend a hand or a kind word.

But above all, her greatest joy came from her family. She was a proud mother and grandmother, deeply devoted to the well-being of her loved ones. Her children describe her as their anchor—someone who taught them strength, faith, and unconditional love through her actions. Her grandchildren will remember the stories she told, the food she cooked, and the unwavering support she offered—always with a gentle smile and a listening ear.

Bertha Gaynelle Williams leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by years but by the lives she touched. Her passing is not just a loss for one family but for an entire community that benefited from her generosity, resilience, and wisdom.

Plans for her homegoing service are being coordinated by Blake Phillips Funeral Home, and the family will be sharing details about the visitation and celebration of life in the coming days.

As the news of her passing continues to ripple through the community, friends and neighbors are coming together to honor her memory—not only in words but in action, carrying forward the example she set: to live with kindness, to serve with humility, and to love without condition.