Bertha Lee was the second of two children. She was born on November 16, 1923, in Friars Point, Mississippi, to Walter Lee Fisher and Eunice Leslie (Knox) Fisher. Bertha’s brother, Oburkes, and her parents preceded her in death.
Bertha was two months old at the time of her mother’s death. She was raised by her aunt and uncle, Darkus and Frank Nelson in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Their sons, Clardy and Sam Peter (S.P.) affectionately accepted Bertha Lee as their sister. They all preceded her in death. In 1938, the family migrated to St. Louis and settled on the city’s south side. Bertha was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools and always spoke fondly of Dumas School because of the many lifelong friends she made there.
Shortly after arriving in St. Louis, Bertha joined the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Sherman Glover. She dedicated her life to Rising Star, remaining a member during its moves from Third Street, to Chouteau Avenue, and to its current location on LaSalle Street. In her early years at Rising Star, Bertha was a member of the Junior Choir and Junior Usher Board. She was also a member of the Progressive Four, an a cappella female quartet. She was a loyal and devoted member of the Rising Star Vocal #1 Choir for over 65 years. She also was a member of the Senior Choir. For almost 70 years, Bertha consistently attended Sunday School, Baptist Training Union (BTU), choir rehearsals, Wednesday prayer meetings, and all other worship services at Rising Star.
Under the leadership of Rev. Glover, Bertha said she learned that although she was a dutiful church member, she had “a zeal of God but not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2). On May 15, 1953, Bertha felt a need to experience God on a higher level. She went to Rev. Glover’s home accompanied by her best friend, Greetel (Staples) Caldwell, and Bertha was converted. She often testified about her spiritual conversion, declaring without a doubt that she was “truly born again”. On the fourth Sunday in August in 1953, Bertha was baptized in the Mississippi River.
On June 25, 1942, Bertha was united in holy matrimony to Eddie Alonzo Brew. Their wedding is believed to be the first known formal wedding at Rising Star. On August 17, 1956, Bertha married Willie Lee Guess. Both of them preceded her in death. As an exceptional mother, she taught and explained to her children to put first things first—”seek the Lord and all things will be added unto you”. She was a phenomenal homemaker. Bertha was a caregiver to many family members and friends.
Bertha leaves to cherish her memory 5 children, Lamar Eddie Brew Sr. (Graceanna), Lorraine Ethel Brew Banks (Wilson), Larry Brew (Clare), Christine Brew, and Phyllis Guess Johnson (Jeff); 18 grandchildren, Lamar Eddie Brew Jr. (Jeanette), Derrick Trenton Brew (Virginia), Dorian Culbert Brew (Jill), Duane Mark Brew (Miranda), Diana Marie Brew, Adonica LaNette Banks, Wilson Banks III (Dawn), Dana Marie Brew, Keith Lamont Brew, Zundra LaFaye Johnson, Shaunte Marquell Johnson, Mario Romaine Johnson (Brandy), Kheli Nicole Johnson, Charles Barrett Johnson, Byron Anthony Johnson, Jeff Johnson III, Anissa Cherise Johnson, and Jared Marquis Johnson; 27 great grandchildren; nephews and nieces; and many relatives and friends.
