Bertha L. DuBois

Bertha Lee DuBois, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, church mother, neighbor, and friend, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on August 24, 2026, in South Chesterfield, Virginia, at the age of 89. She was born on December 19, 1936, in Stilson, Georgia, to the late James and Mattie Groover.

Bertha was a woman whose life was defined by faith, service, love, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others. Those who knew her will remember not only her warm spirit and generous heart, but also the many ways she quietly made life better for the people around her.

She was educated through the Bulloch County School System and graduated from high school in Statesboro, Georgia, moving to Savannah, Georgia after graduating. In 1953, she married Robert DuBois, beginning a lifelong journey of family, faith, and love.

In 1962, Bertha relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where her spiritual journey deepened. She was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and received the gift of the Holy Ghost, speaking in other tongues as the Spirit of the Lord gave utterance. She became a faithful member of Refuge Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ (COOLJC), affectionately known as “Green Avenue,” where she served faithfully for 16 years. Her service included the Usher Board, Choir, Kitchen Ministry, and the We Care Group, through which she visited the sick, shut-ins, and those in hospitals. For Bertha, faith was never simply something she professed—it was something she lived.

In 1979, Bertha relocated to Virginia and continued her faithful service as a member of Refuge Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ. There, she served on the Usher Board and in the Choir. Her love for the church and Sunday School remained a source of strength throughout her life. She often shared that Sunday School gave her the strength she needed to face each day. Her faith was steadfast, and the hymns she loved so dearly were a beautiful reflection of the hope she carried within her.

Bertha also had a servant's heart that extended far beyond the church walls. Every second Saturday, she could be found with the Sunshine Ladies serving the Hopewell community by feeding those who were less fortunate. She had a special compassion for seniors and neighbors, often preparing and delivering meals simply because she wanted someone else to feel cared for. She did not need recognition for her kindness. Helping others was simply who she was.

Professionally, Bertha dedicated 30 years of her life to Bell Telephone Company, where she worked as a Customer Relations Representative. She later shared her love of cooking with children through her work as a cook at Little School Childcare. But for Bertha, cooking was never merely a job. It was one of the ways she expressed love.

She was known for her calling and passion for cooking—and especially for her cakes. Her kitchen was a place where love could be measured in ingredients, time, and generous portions. Family, friends, neighbors, seniors, and countless others were blessed by the meals she prepared. Long after the last plate was cleared, the warmth of her generosity remained.

Bertha leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Doreen Taylor (Kenneth) and Mark Groover (Demetria); her grandchildren, Derek (Tameka), “Darius” Yohannan (Delina), Desmin, Christopher, Paris, Devone, and one especially devoted Theodore; her siblings, James Temple, Homer Groover, Daisy Jones, Sara Hill, and Jo Ann Woodley (Leroy); along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, COOLJC VND pastors, church family, neighbors, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her love and kindness.

She was preceded in death by her children, Danny DuBois, Ricky DuBois, Wayne DuBois, and Deneen Groover; her daughter-in-law, Florence DuBois; her grandchild, Sidney Taylor; and her siblings, Mary Groover, Jessie Groover, Lonnie Groover, Jack Groover, Janie Maynard, Susie Temple, Tom Groover, Silas Groover, Johnny Groover, Clarence Groover, and Paul Groover.

The loss of Bertha leaves a space that cannot be filled. Yet her family and all who loved her can find comfort in knowing that her life was one of purpose. She fed the hungry, visited the sick, served her church, encouraged her family, welcomed her neighbors, and shared the gifts God had given her. She showed her love through her hands, her prayers, her songs, her cooking, and her presence.

Her favorite scripture was Psalm 136:1: “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Those words beautifully reflect the faith with which Bertha lived her life.

Today, we give thanks for the life of Bertha Lee DuBois—for 89 years of love, faith, service, laughter, nourishment, and cherished memories. Though she is no longer with us in body, the love she gave continues through her children, grandchildren, family, church, and community.

Her hands may be at rest now, but the work of love she began will continue in all those she touched.

Rest well, Sis. Bertha. Your work is done, your faith has carried you home, and your love will live on.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Refuge Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 1890 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, VA, Elder David Boone and Elder Jerry Rose, Senior Pastor, words of encouragement.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.