Bertha Lee Dennis Blakely, 91, of Welaka, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, Palatka.

Bertha Lee Dennis Blakely was born on Thursday, May 12, 1932 in Fort Gates, FL. The daughter of Sarah Cook Rogers, at a very young age, she was adopted by John and Gussie Dennis of Welaka, FL.  Bertha resided in Welaka with the Dennis family until her late teenage years, at which time she moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL to live with her adopted sister, Mary Alice Dennis Thomas.  In June of 1951, Bertha graduated from Dillard High School, Broward County School System, in Fort Lauderdale.  Bertha became the proud mother of Lisa Hamm and Norman "Sonny" Dennis.

Over the years, Bertha worked in varied managerial capacities; however, her most noted job was that of Head Custodian at Pompano Beach Elementary School in Pompano Beach, FL.  In 1993, she retired and returned to Welaka. She was a member of St. James A.M.E. Church, Welaka.

Bertha had a love for gardening.  She had a true "green thumb." She planted all kinds of fruit trees – oranges, satsumas, grapefruit, plums, persimmons, watermelon, and guava.  Her vegetable gardens consisted of collard greens, peas, cabbage, squash, and tomatoes. In addition to fruit and vegetables, Bertha had a passion for growing flowers. Her specialty seemed to be the Christmas cactus.  What a joy it was to come to her porch and see the different species of Christmas cacti. She was so proud of the attention these flowers brought, which consisted of at least five different colors. People all over Welaka would come every year when they were in bloom just to appreciate the beauty.  She would even break off a piece and share with some of her special friends.

Bertha also loved to fish. She fished many of the canals in Fort Lauderdale.  After she retired and relocated to Welaka, it was "Hello, St. Johns River!"  Bertha had a special spot on the Welaka Pier that she called her personal "spot."  Most days, if you were to look for her and she was not at home, she could be found at the Pier in her "spot."  Everyone knew how to find her.  She had many "fishing buddies" in Welaka.  On days when she didn't feel like fishing, she would go to the river to simply sit and look out over the water.  She found peace and joy that the beautiful St. Johns River provides.

Bertha celebrated her 91st birthday last May and was already looking forward to her 92nd birthday.  Although her health declined, she was still excited at the thought of having another birthday celebration.  She was spoiled by her neighbors on Palmetto Street in Welaka.  She was affectionately known as "Ms. Bert"  and they kept a watchful eye on her at all times. They would come over for a visit and bring cooked meals, fish, flowers, cakes, cards, and gifts.  They would even keep her lawn mowed.  If there were any activities such as medical emergencies, they all showed up and made calls to the family.  That spoke wonders about how much she was loved by her Welaka neighbors.

Bertha is preceded in eternal rest by her parents:  Sarah Cook Rogers and Walter Rogers, John and Gussie Dennis; son:  Norman K. Dennis; sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Howard L. Walker, Sr.;  brother and sister-in-law, Raleigh and Martha Mary McMillan; adopted sister:  Mary Alice Dennis Thomas; numerous maternal and paternal aunts, uncles, cousins, a niece and nephew.

Cherished memories will remain with her loving daughter:  Lisa J. Hamm of Fort Lauderdale; her precious Shih Tzu "Tootsie;" grandsons:  Orrin Hamm of Fort Lauderdale; and Stacy Sapp (Tawanna) of Killeen, TX; her sweetest granddaughter:  Michele Fisher (Daniel) of Fort Lauderdale; "bonus daughter"/niece:  Gloria Walker of Hapeville, GA; "bonus daughter"/great-niece/caretaker:  Dana Baber of Welaka; special nieces:  Howanda Walker of Hapeville, GA; Gwendolyn Walker of Georgetown; Edna McDonald of Columbus, GA; special great-nieces:  Dionne Bey (Khalid) of Palatka; Deniece Walker of Palatka; Deidre Walker of Georgetown; special cousin:  Carolyn Oxendine of Crescent City;  10 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

"Ms. Bert" will be forever cherished by her loving friends in the Welaka Community:  Harriet and Ralph Vanslyke; Glenn and Cathy Dames ; Cindy Washington; Kenny and Pam Washington; Temperance Barlow; Kendra Washington and daughters; and fishing buddies from the Welaka Pier.

Memories of Bertha will last forever with her longtime beloved friend: Cheryl Youngblood of Daytona Beach; and her very special friend:  Sue Manchester of Fort Lauderdale.

Celebration of Life: 11 o'clock a.m., Saturday, February 17, at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Rev. Sandra Gilyard, Pastor, St. James AME Church, Welaka, is the officiant.