Bertha Mae Lay was born February 7, 1942, in the Bogansville Township of Union County, South Carolina, to the late Virgil Norman and Thelma Little Norman. She was the eldest of six children: Robert Lewis “Bob” Norman, John Earl Norman Sr., Mary E. Norman Walker, Charles “Chucky” Norman and Virgil Edward Norman, all of whom preceded her in death.

Bertha married Franklin D. R. Lay, and together they built a loving family and shared a marriage that endured until his passing in 1999. A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Bertha's love of family was at the heart of her life. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she faithfully cared for her mother, husband and daughter Bernadette when each needed her.

A woman of determination and deep faith, Bertha returned to school after raising her family and proudly earned her GED in 2002. A graduate of Harty Bible School and an ordained Elder, she devoted many years to church, prison and hospital ministry, including approximately 15 years as a volunteer Assistant Chaplain. Known as a “prayer warrior for God,” Bertha preached, prayed and encouraged others wherever she went. She truly never met a stranger.

Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin D. R. Lay; her parents and five siblings; her daughter, Bernadette Wagner-Lay; and grandchildren, Marcus Lay and Victor Lay Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her stepdaughter, Denise Arnold; her children, Brenda Lay, Frank Lay, Donnell Lay, Victor (Keisa) Lay, Sheila Lay and Joyce (Lamont) Warren; her grandchildren, Demond Lay, Desmond Lay, Latoya Wagner, Marquis Riggins, Alyssa Marsh, Brittany McWilliams, Varesse Lay, Wanda Lay, Maurice Lay, Donnell Lay Jr., Donnell Lay, Quentin Lay, Rasheed Lay, Donnell Lay, Darrell Lay and Dontae Lay; and a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Her life was her ministry. Her family was her heart. Her legacy lives on.