Bertha C Hitchens

Bertha Claudette Cooper Hitchens, known as “Bert” to family and friends, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at the Delaware Hospice Center located in Milford, Delaware. Bert was born on Monday, February 3, 1936, in Laurel, Delaware, to the late Richard Allen and Anna Louise Cooper. Bert was the second born of six children. She celebrated her 80th birthday this year in February with her devoted daughters, other family members, and friends. She received her early education at Paul Laurence Dunbar School in Laurel and in 1954 graduated from the former William C. Jason Comprehensive High School (currently known as Delaware Technical & Community College located in Georgetown, Delaware). While in high school, Bert was a member of many social clubs such as the New Homemakers of America and the Drama Team. In school, Bert gave a superb performance for the New Homemakers of America Conference in Wilmington Delaware. As a child, Bert’s parents nurtured her Christian experience as she attended the New Zion United Methodist Church in Laurel. She later joined her husband and was baptized at St. Matthews First Baptist Church in Laurel under the leadership of her father-in-law, the late Reverend Richard L. Hitchens. Never wavering from her roots, nor in her faith, Bert returned for a season to New Zion United Methodist Church where she sang with the Gospel Choir and served as a part of the United Methodist Women’s Ministry. Later on, she returned to St. Matthews First Baptist Church and served as President of the Senior Choir and Secretary of the Missionary Ministry. She also served on the Usher Board and participated in many other acts of service. Bert’s favorite scripture was Psalm 34. Bert was joined in Holy Matrimony on Friday, December 22, 1961, to the late Robert R. Hitchens, known as “Bobby”. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother of four children whose worth far exceeded diamonds and rubies. Bert retired from Vlasic Foods, Inc. in Millsboro, Delaware where she worked as an awesome capper machine operator. She knew how to keep things moving at work. Family and friends alike remember the smile she wore at work; never able to tell whether she was having a good day or a bad day. Her early years of waitressing and cooking chitterlings at her Uncle Joe Randolph’s restaurant prepared her for the nightly full course meals she cooked for her family. Even after a long day at work, it was not unusual to stop by through the week and find Bert fixing a pot of turnips or collard greens. Catering parties with her husband Bobby and Roland Brown was a pastime for this dedicated cook. Bert’s sense of humor lightened her home and filled it with love and warmth. Many hearts were cheered by the comfortable atmosphere her presence provided. She and her girls were avid shoppers and frequented Thrift Shops where Bert indulged her taste for antiques and crafty little items for her home. Her home and her yard reflected her love for flowers. The beach was her spot. Whether Rehoboth Beach, Ocean City, Virginia Beach, Atlantic City, Hawaii, or The Bahamas, Bert found her way to the calming waters. Riding in the car with Bert was like “Driving Ms. Daisey”, only she was the driver. All you could see was her little head above the steering wheel as she crept through the streets of Laurel and close by towns. Bert leaves to cherish her memories three daughters, Jameszenna Lorraine Hitchens Roach of Seaford, Delaware; Cheryl Lynn Hitchens & Robin Renee Hitchens, of Laurel; son-in-law, Ralph Roach; stepdaughter, Sharon C. Giles of Laurel; stepson, Martin C. Hitchens of Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey; grandson, Mark E. Williams (Lavette) of Seaford, DE; three step-grandchildren, Clarence (Trina) Giles, Jalyssa Hitchens & Amarani Hitchens; great-granddaughter, Kiondra Strand; two sisters, Lorraine Ann Hitchens (Donald Lee) of Laurel & Gwendolyn Faye Twine of Norfolk, Virginia; four brothers-in-law and a sister-in-law, Eugene Puckham, Donald Lee Hitchens, Charles Wayne Hitchens & Claudette Hitchens all of Laurel; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert R. Hitchens; son, Gregory Allen Hitchens; parents, Richard Allen & Anna Louise Cooper; three siblings, Hattie Bernetta Puckham, Carmetta Gloria Holden & Richard Allen Cooper, Jr.; four brothers-in-law, Donald Holden, Sr., Louis Hitchens, Theodore Hitchens & William Hitchens; and three sisters-in-law, Syliva Oney, Margo Hitchens & Ardella Hitchens. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bertha C Hitchens, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Bertha C Hitchens

February 3, 1936 - July 5, 2016