bertha lee walker wesley
1901-1982
Life Story
Early Life
Bertha L. Walker Wesley was born on April 13, 1901, in Newton County, Mississippi. She was the daughter of George Walker (1868–?) and Susan Hill (1872–?), two families whose histories were deeply woven into the early generations of the Evans, Walker, and Hill lineages in Newton County.
Bertha’s paternal grandparents were Luke Walker (1843–1912) and Lydia Evans (1855–?), linking her directly to the early Evans community families. Her maternal grandparents were Thomas Hill (1845–?) and Delia Hill (1845–?), further grounding her roots in the long-standing Hill family of the area.
Growing up, Bertha worked as a farm laborer on the home farm, a common livelihood for families in rural Newton County during the early 20th century.
Marriage & Family
Bertha married Joe Wesley, who passed away in 1947. Together they built a family grounded in strong values, faith, and community.
From this union, the following children were born:
- Joe Lee Wesley (1935–2016)
- Alfreda Wesley (1939–?)
- James Willis Wesley (1942–1994)
Bertha also had two older children prior to her marriage. According to the Social Security application of her eldest son, Wardell, he identified his father as Joe Walker and consistently used the Walker surname throughout his life rather than Wesley. His sister likewise identified as a Walker. These two children were:
- Wardell Walker (1928–2004)
- Susie Walker (1931–2004)
Regardless of parentage as recorded in various documents, Bertha was a devoted mother to all of her children, raising them within a shared household marked by care, responsibility, and familial bonds.
Occupation
In her early years, Bertha worked as a farm laborer, contributing to the family’s livelihood and participating in the agricultural rhythms that defined life in her community.
Death
Bertha L. Walker Wesley passed away on February 6, 1982, at the age of 80. Her death marked the loss of a beloved mother, grandmother, and long-standing member of the Evans and Walker families.
Burial
She is laid to rest in the Evans Cemetery, among generations of family members whose lives helped shape the historic Altare and Newton County communities.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- The Newton Record, Wed, Jul 12, 1972 ·Page 12
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
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