Individual Details

Bertie Adean Nelms

(1 Apr 1915 - 22 Sep 2006)

Bertie A. Smith, 91, of Barling, formerly of Hamburg, died Friday, September 22, 2006, in a Fort Smith hospital. Born April 1, 1915, in Hamburg to Benjamin Franklin and Cora Frances Higginbotham Nelms, she retired from the credit office at Sears in Fort Smith. She was a charter member of the Haven Heights Baptist Church, a member of the Rebecca Sunday School class and a member of R. S. V. P.
Survivors include her husband of 42 years, L. F. "Smitty" Smith; three sisters, Doris Selby of Montrose, Laurie Bawcom of Bastrop, LA, and Chris Ingle of Fort Smith; one brother, Clarence Nelms of Stuttgart; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Monday, September 25, in the Haven Heights Baptist Church in Fort Smith with Dr. Neal Prock and Bro. Jerry Selby officiating. Pallbearers were Sean Ferguson, Guy Huff, Don, Steve and Brad Nelms, Ted Selby and Christopher Townsend. Burial followed services at the Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Smith with arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home of Fort Smith.
Memorials may be made to Haven Heights Baptist Church, 7701 Highway 271 South, Fort Smith, AR 72908. Online guest book at www.edwardsfuneral home.com.

Events

Birth1 Apr 1915Hamburg, Ashley County, Arkansas
Marriage1 Jul 1938Ouachita County, Arkansas - John W. Merritt
Census (family)2 Apr 1940Cullendale, Ouachita, Arkansas - John W. Merritt
Marriage30 Jan 1947Ouachita County, Arkansas - John W. Merritt
Marriage1964Living
Death22 Sep 2006Sebastian County, Arkansas
Burial25 Sep 2006Rose Lawn Park Cemetery, Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas

Families

SpouseLiving
SpouseJohn W. Merritt (1920 - )
FatherBenjamin Franklin Nelms (1891 - 1966)
MotherCora Francis Higginbotham (1891 - 1958)
SiblingMary Laurie Nelms (1918 - 2015)
SiblingDoris Nelms (1923 - 2020)
SiblingClarence Edward Nelms (1926 - 2021)
SiblingBilly Nelms (1929 - 1999)
SiblingLiving

Notes

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