BERTIE HUGGINS, June 15, 1918 to June 1, 2022. “Grandma Bertie” (as she is so lovingly called), was born June 15, 1918 to the late Isreal Willis and Mary T. Willis in Hope, Ark. She was named after her grandmother, Berdie Stuart. In 1943, she was united in marriage to Elmo Huggins; to this union, two beautiful daughters were born; Gladys and Phyllis.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her eight siblings: Roy Willis, John Willis, Alphonso Willis, Majorie Willis, Claud Willis, Robert Willis, Arthell Willis, and Comell Henson; her daughter, Gladys McDonald; and a great-granddaughter, Victoria.
She accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of St Peters Rock Missionary Baptist Church with her mother, Mary T. Willis, in the 70’s. She worked hard in the fabrics industry and learned to drive in the 80’s. And, once she started, it took an act of Congress to make her stop. Grandma Bertie was fiercely independent and lived alone for many years. She died at peace surrounded by her loving family. She leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter, Phyllis D. Geans of Beaumont, Texas; five grandchildren: Isom Kelly (Angelia) of Little Rock, Ark., Dorinda Geans-Jay (Byron) of St Johns, Fla., Beneta Williams (DeSean) of Little Rock, Ark., Natasha Poe of Dallas, Texas, and Sheena Fluker (Lee) of Maumelle, Ark.; 20 great-grandchildren, 21 great-great-grandchildren; and a whole host of friends and family, including a very special sister-in-law, Dorothy Willis; Mayreen Johnson, her loving first cousin; Ronald Willis, her devoted nephew; a special caregiver, Tanya Seymour; and Joanna Scott, a bonus granddaughter. All lovingly cared for her throughout her many, many years.
Walk-through visitation: Wednesday, June 8, 2022, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home Chapel, 1200 Chester St., Little Rock. Funeral services also at Ruffin & Jarrett Chapel, June, 8, 2022 at 2 p.m. Masks are required at both services. The funeral will be livestreamed on the Ruffin & Jarrett Facebook page.