Bertha Davis

Bertha Davis, 98 of Kingsport, formerly of Fall Branch, passed away from complications of pneumonia on Sunday, January, 22, 2012. She died peacefully, surrounded by family.

Bertha was born on May 27, 1913, in Hancock County, TN. She was the oldest of 6 children and weighed 3 lbs at birth and was given little chance of survival. She not only survived during the depression, at age 16 she left home and got a job at Tennessee Eastman Company to help support her siblings. She was one of the first women to be hired before proof of age was required.

After raising her family of 5 children, she went to work at Green Valley Resident Hospital where she was recognized as the top of her class many times.

She loved gardening, reading and cooking. After leaving the hospital, she went to the home of her granddaughter, Tina Stanley Matt in Fall Branch to be near family. Independence was a trait that she valued. She stayed in her own home past her 97th birthday. Her last year was spent at The Village at Allandale.

Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Kermit Davis; grandson, Jeff Templeton; and parents, Harmon and Ethel McMillan.

She is survived by her children: Paul Davis, Don Davis Anne, Barbara Templeton Phil, Kermit Davis and Diane Bear; twelve grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, at Hamlett-Dobson, Fall Branch. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Rev. Robert Taylor officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, at First Baptist Church of Fall Branch Cemetery. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

The family wants to thank all the Staff, caregivers and employees at The Village at Allendale and Wellmont Hospice for their support and loving care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one's favorite charity or Wellmont Hospice Program, P O. Box 238, Kingsport, TN 37662.