On Friday, December 11, 2020, God in His Infinite Wisdom, saw fit to call from labor to reward Bertha Martin Penn. She was born in Stoneville, NC on May 14, 1941, the daughter of the late James Noah Martin and the late Josephine Dalton Martin.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Penn; four sisters, Ollie Bell Dalton, Nannie Louise Vernon, Rosetta Brown, and Lillie Marie Simmons; and six brothers, Joe Henry Martin, John Will Martin, James Martin, Luther Benton Martin, Richard D. Martin, and Lewis Junior Martin.
Bertha was a member of Frances Memorial Chapel Primitive Baptist Church. She retired from Fieldcrest Cannon Mills after many years of service. She also was a graduate of Charles Drew High School in Stoneville, NC.
Bertha leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Carmela Penn of Bassett, VA, and Zina Penn of Martinsville, VA; one grandson, Keon (Tammy) Mabin of Collinsville, VA; step-son, Lloyd Douglas (Carolyn) Carter of Emporia, VA; three sisters, Bernice Hairston of Spencer, VA, Mary Tatum and Beulah Griggs both of Stoneville, NC; two brothers, Roy (JoAnn) Martin of Spencer, VA, and Johnny Martin of Stoneville, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the C.R.V. Memorial Chapel at Hairston Funeral Home with Pastor Jimmy Redd Eulogist, and Dr. Kenneth Davis Presiding. A public viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at Hairston Funeral Home between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. In accordance with the CDC, a face covering and social distancing will be required. Burial will follow at the Martin Family Cemetery, Stoneville, NC. The family will be receiving friends at the home, 106 Eagle Lane, Martinsville, VA.
To view live streaming of the service, go to Hairston Funeral Homes Facebook page, then click on the service.
Hairston Funeral Home is serving the Penn family.
I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to Carmela and Zina. I can remember Ms Berta from Mayo Church with her singing in the choir. I pray that God gives you peace that surpasses all understanding. The peace that wipes the tears from your eyes. The keeping peace that gives you comfort during your darkest hours. I love you. Donna Amos Jones
May God continue to bless you and all of the family.She has earned her wings. To God be the glory!!!!
Carmela and Zina. My heartfelt prayers go out to you. Bertha was a Great and Loving person who always greeted with a Big smile. I had not seen her in awhile but when I did she greeted me still with that Big Smile. My Love to all our family and you will truly be missed.
Carmela and Zina. My heartfelt prayers go out to you. Bertha was a Great and Loving person who always greeted with a Big smile. I had not seen her in awhile but when I did she greeted me still with that Big Smile. My Love to all our family and you will truly be missed.
So sorry for the loss of my dear cousin. I will miss her. Senora Cosby Princeton, WV
Sending our condolences and prayers the the Lord will give you comfort during this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy. The pastor and members of Stewart Creek Primitive Baptist Church.
Sorry to hear she gone she was a beautiful person inside and out and we'll loved and she will be missed rest in peace Ms berta love Tanya rumley
To our beautiful sisters (Carmela and Zina)... Please know that we love you and we are praying for you continuously. The memories of your dear mother will forever be in our hearts. We love you!
Rhonda, Carla, Norris, Courtnee (Joe & Mary)
To the Penn Family may your memories you shared with your love one comfort during these difficult times. I remember Ms. Bertha singing on the choir with my mom Robertha back in the day at Mayo. Just know I send my love and prayers to the family. Barbara Spencer
Thank you for loving me the way you did! Thank you for holding a special place in your heart for me! Your hugs were great but you heartfelt kisses were better! Take your rest, Aunt Bertha! You will be forever lived and missed! To my cousins, May God continue to bless and keep you in His care! I am praying for and with you all at this time. You have my deepest and most sincere sympathy. Love Always, Devinn Staten Sands
When we lose those we love most, they are forever in our memories. Hold on to those memories, they are the greatest treasures. As you grieve know that we are remembering you and honoring the memory of Aunt Bertha. Love, Jesse and Evelyn
Well, Bertha is "at the meeting". Not even the original artist could sing that song, "I Want to Be At The Meeting", like Bertha. She was such a kind, genuine, and gentle person with such a great and natural singing voice. To Zina and Carmela, you were great daughters to such a great mom. I pray for blessings and strength over you. Rosabelle Holmes
I will always remember our travels and singing together many years ago with the Heavenly Stars at Mayo. Also, no on could say Zina and Carmela like your mother. I am praying God will strengthen you today and always. Rev. Nancy Lorraine Smith-Redd
Missing you always. RIP my beautiful Aunt. Your niece Joyce
Bertha,
Thank you for being a very positive influence in my life. May you Rest In Peace in Heaven! You will be greatly missed (God Bless).
Sincerely, Ernesto Staples
All the love my heart can store to the Penn Family!! My heart felt prayers will never cease!!
Dear Alverta and Timothy, I'm sending sympathy and prayers to you and your entire family. Love, Rhonda
Sorry for your loss; prayers are with you during this difficult time. Gladys King
Carmela and Zina, my heart is heavy today learning of the passing of your Mama. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and the family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless and keep each and everyone of you during this difficult time. I Love you all. Glenda McQueen
Sorry for your loss, Sending Condolences and a Heartfelt prayer that God's loving presence will Bring Comfort to the Family. The Life Society, Hazel W. Spencer, President.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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