Bertie Louise Burnham Hester, age 83, of White Springs, FL. passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, March 17, 2023. Bertie had been ill for some time and eventually required full time attention. Her family never wavered and remained always at her side to meet her every need.

Bertie was a native and lifelong resident of White Springs, FL. She was born on November 29, 1939 to the late James Monroe Burnham and Bertha Irene Hillhouse Burnham. In her early years she worked outside of the home but as the family grew, being a good mother and grandmother was more important. Bertie set an example for her children by being a faithful wife, a good neighbor, an extraordinary sister and a dedicated child of God. As long as her husband Vasco was living, when you saw one, you generally saw the other. The two were true companions. By all appearances Ms. Bertie was always in control of her emotions which was one of the gifts God bestowed upon her. Her family and friends knew that Bertie would always be there to lend that helping hand and knew just what needed to be said to make any situation seem bearable. Even when her own world would seem to be unraveling, Bertie was a tower of strength. In no particular order, in the span of just a few years, Bertie experienced the death of her parents, her husband Vasco, her brother, Jimmy Burnham, three of her children, Cheryl Lynn Daughtry, Donnie Hester and Vickie Gayle Sapp, and three of her grands, Warren Soule, Brandi Nicole Dukes and Chelsea Hester. One can only suffer such great loss and still be left standing by having a strong faith, which she did. Bertie was an active member of Divonia Baptist Church as long as her health permitted.

Combining all the good with the bad, Bertie would say she lived a full life. She was gifted in crocheting, needlepoint and painting. Her house is full of handmade treasures that will be passed on to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening and working in the flowerbeds. For just a moment the family fondly shared that their mother was soft spoken and just as quickly upon reflection, they pointed out that she could be just the opposite when she needed to be and you better snap to attention when that time came. Bertie shared a very special relationship with her siblings. She was a barrel of fun once she got on a roll and she and her sister Jean could sit and tell stories for hours about the adventures they all shared over the years.

Survivors include her daughter, Cathy Erixton (Terry) of White Springs, FL.; her son, Bobby Hester (Paula) of Lake City, FL.; her brother, Ray Burnham (Carolyn); and her two sisters, Betty Gaines and Jean Morris, all of White Springs, FL.; her sister-in-law, Janice Hester of Lake Park, GA.; ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were held on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at Swift Creek Cemetery near White Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made to Swift Creek Historical Church and Cemetery, C/O 18567 SE CR 137, White Springs, FL. 32096.