"For we are his workmanship created in chirstt Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 NKJV When one had even given her life for a good cause, bestowing freely and unselfishly her talent, influence and time for the betterment of the regligous, social and civic life of the people, death is momentous. Being gifted and chosen to serve in love, as well as possessing a beautiful character, are the true essence of the late, Betha Mae Brown-Walton. The scripture was truly evident in her life style. "But he that is greastest among you shall be your servant" Matthew 23:11. What a joyous, momentous and exuberant event it must have been for the late Allen and Macie Smith, when their cuddling, wonderfully molded and shaped, bouncing baby girl whom they named, Bertha Mae, began her earthly journey in Desota, Georgia - Sumter County, May 10, 1926. The extended Brown family consisted of nine children; seven boys and two girls, and bonus son who was reared in the family setting. Noted in her status as the matriarch of the family, Bertha was blessed to lived nine decades, (ninty-five years old) and five generations; namely, The Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Melennials, Post-Melennials. Mother Walton attended, Sumter and Tift-County Public Schools where she recieved her formal education. During her era, her professors, as the teachers where called, would live in their community and walked to school with them. Sometimes there were fewer than ten students in one room. SHe was a proud of the basketbal team and recieved much joy when her team members yelled out, "Do it Brown! Go Brown!" After the death of her father, being the nurturing, serving, loving and tender hearted personality she was, Bertha requested and was permitted to drop out of school to work and assist her struggling mother in catering to the needs of their family. Subsequently, she began her employability skills and work ethics in the field handling tobacco. Later, she worked as a baby-sitter for Jimmy and Betty Gleaton, president/owners of their telephone company. Chloe, Beverly, and Barbara, through the years continued to take Bertha as a mother, kept in touch and remembered her on birthdays and special occaisions. Later, after marrying and relocating to Miami with her family, she pursued employment as a domestic engineer (housekeeper) in various locations. She spent many gainful years as a domestic engineer until her retirement. May 5, 1951 in Moultrie, Georgia, Bertha was joined in Holy Matrimony to John Henry Walton in the home of their pastor and wife, Reverend and Sister Fleming. This union was blessed with two sons, Willie Henry and Bobby Allen. As a child and young adult, Mother Walton devout Christian in attendance at Friendship Baptist Church, Reverend Wallace Davis, Pastor. She and her sister, Mother Ola Mae Brooks, accepted an invitation extended to them by Mother Coney, to visit Strictland Temple COGIC, on the fourth Sunday in Septmeber, 1961. It was a day to remember. Mother Coney told Bishop Strictland, the pastor that there was a seeker present. He stopped Sunday School, knowing a soul was more important. Although converted she wanted the Holy Ghost. "You shall recieve power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you..." (Act 1:8). Mother Walton was filled with the Holy Ghost at the alter and was baptized in a pool, in the pulpit. Her more personal and deeper relationship with God inspired her to be a greater servant. She became a dedicated member, served as choir preisdent and song leader, as well as enjoyed working in different positions for the upbuilding of the God's Kingdom.

Upon relocating to Miami in the year of 1967, Mother Walton's spiritual flight continued, flying even higher when she became a member of Walker Memorial COGIC, presently, Walker Temple COGIC under pastorate of the late Elder Elijah Edwards. Her gifts/talents and enthusiasm to serve with sincerity, zeal, and excellence, were observed by the late Elder Elijah Edwards, who appointed her as president of the Pastor's Aide in the year, 1972, and her dedicated service continued for twenty-five years (1997), until she had to assumed responsibility as caretaker for her illed husband. Possessing faithful courageous and effective leadership qualities, Mother Walton built, maintained and strengthened relationships with love, humility and respect. Teamwork got the insurmountable jobs accomplished; just to name a few: furnished room upstairs for Pastor and Mother Edwards to reside during their visit to Miami, built a powder room, maintained funds in the bank, sponsored/generated funds for Pastor and Mother Edwards to attend the Holy Land in Jerusalem, prepared first and third Sunday dinner, cooked meals and baked signature lemon/pound cakes for dinner sales. Also, Mother Walton extended her faithful service in the areas of President of Hospitality, Sunday School Secretary, and choir member. Although physical challenges and declining health became overwhelming, she remained humble and supportive under the pastoral care of the late Superintendent Dr. Jessie J. Tolbert and our current Pastor, Elder Dr. Kevin Owens. Mother Walton exhibiting the ministry of help and hospitality, by loving serving, and making a difference in the lives of others was also a volunteer at her former residence, Claude Pepper Towers. Mother Walton will be sorely missed for love for God and mankind, her admirable and service-field lifestyle as unto the Lord, that in enriched the lives of others, built better relationships and created a more just and caring world. She will also be remembered by some of her repetitive and sweet statements such as: * "As my cousin say, I love you more!" * "Rep what you sow." * "Cast you bread upon the water and not many days hence, it will return unto you" * "I don't know anybody I don't like" On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, after brief hospital confinement, her purposeful, long and productive life on this earth concluded. She fought a good fight finished her course and kept the faith (II Timothy 4:7). Mother Walton was predeceased by her husband, John Henry; sons, Willie Henry and Bobby Allen; and granddaughter, Jennifer Walton. Her legacy of love, self-sacrificing and fond memories give on the lives of her: great grand-daughter, Jennise Small; great great grand-daughter Jennifer Small, all of Austin Texas; two nieces Mae Ola Black ( exceptional caretaker), and Darlene Nixon (Clarence), all of Tifton, Georgia; three nephews, Elder Tony Brooks, Jamie and Joesph Brooks, all of Tifton Georgia; cousins, Deacon Gentle Lee Hamilton and Mother Mary Jackson; a host of other nieces, nephews, and cousins; one god-son, Elder Bernard Edwards; one god-daughter, Yvonne Mosley Wiggins; god-grand-daughter, Tangela Tolbert-Mobley; special friend and caretaker, Mother Betty Smith; constant-contact prayer warrior, Missionary Ramona Hardy; a host of spiritual sons and daughters, and her loving Walker Temple COGIC family.