Mother Bertha Blackman was born on September 14, 1939, in Selma, Alabama, to the late Willie and Theresa Henley. To this union, five children were born, with Bertha being the eldest. She attended school in Selma and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at a young age.

She moved to Cleveland in 1956 and held several positions over the years, including working with the East Cleveland School District, pursuing entrepreneurship, and serving as a governess, a role she held for over three decades. Through this work, she formed a special bond with two children, Michael and Maggie Leikin, whom she lovingly cared for over many years.

Bertha, also known as “Mama Bert,” was a warm, caring, and compassionate woman who welcomed everyone she met. She enjoyed spending quality time with her family, shopping, traveling, and taking bus trips, especially to the Amish Country. She also enjoyed visiting the casino, but above all, she loved her church family.

In 2022, Bertha answered the call of the Lord and united with The Historic Liberty Hill Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Michael L. Brown. Mama Bert was known for her style and elegance and was often recognized by the beautiful hats she wore.

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Mama Bert answered the Lord’s call and was welcomed home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Theresa Henley; her son, Christopher; her bonus son, Robert White; her grandparents; her sisters, Delphine Salone, Clarice and Annie; and her brothers, Charles and Beonze.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory her children: Brenda Blackmon, Cleophus Blackmon, Deborah (Jack) Henderson, Pamela (Keith) Dulin, Henry (Michelle) Blackmon, and Jacqueline (John, Sr.) Jackson; her sister, Betsy Johnson; her brothers, Willie (Georgia) Henley, Edwin Henley, Virgil Henley, and David (Jacqueline) Henley; a plethora of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; bonus children: Linda (Ned) Merriweather, Johnny Ford, Darryl Holton, Lynn Simon and Karen Blackmon; special friends: Georgia Simon, Sandra Smith, Florine Hairston, Narcississ Gay, Eva Torbert, Jean Shumpert, Geneva Beynum, Verline Jackson and Lilly Mae Fulton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends who loved her beautiful and remarkable spirit.

Throughout her life, she built a large, blended family that remained close-knit and deeply important to her.

Humbly submitted,

The Family