Individual Details

Bertha Bess Gray

(18 Nov 1929 - 12 Sep 2022)

Bertha Gray Jamison passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on Monday, the 12th of September 2022.
Bertha Jamison lived a complete life, filled to abundance with joy, purpose and love. Hard work, service and devotion to God and family were her guideposts. With her sweet and kind disposition, she left an unforgettable impression on everyone she met. She genuinely cared about people and she treasured the countless friends she made throughout her life.
A native of Beaumont, Texas, she was born on the 18th of November 1929. At the age of five her family moved to Houston attending Montrose Elementary, Lanier Junior High and Lamar High School, where she graduated as Salutatorian in 1947. She then attended Rice Institute (now Rice University) and graduated with a BA in Medieval History in 1951. At Rice she was vice president of the sophomore class, a member of the Elizabeth Baldwin Literary Society, Outstanding Senior and Phi Beta Kappa. She later obtained a Master of Education at the University of Houston.
Bertha's entire career was spent in education. She taught at Mark Twain and Walnut Bend Elementary Schools. She then became a principal at Milam Elementary in HISD and was the founding principal at Chambers Elementary and Chancellor Elementary in Alief ISD. She retired in 1988 but continued an active life of volunteerism. Her activities included the Blue Bird Circle, Memorial Assistance Ministries and the Alexander Love chapter of the DAR. She was also on the board at The Willowick where she was a resident for many years.
The most meaningful area of service to her was Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Guided by her unshakable faith in Jesus Christ, she was a dedicated member for 58 years. She was especially active in the Wedding Band and Candlelighters Sunday School classes and the Chapelwood School. In recognition of her service and leadership, the church named her a Lifetime Board Member.
Bertha married her high school sweetheart Sam James "Jim" Jamison in 1951 and they spent 57 wonderful years together until his death in 2008. They enjoyed traveling to many countries, spending time with family and friends and were fixtures at Lamar High School reunions. Despite declining health, she still maintained a positive and peaceful demeanor. As she recently wrote in her journal, "I am a child of God, and my cup runneth over." We will greatly miss our Bertha, Mom and Memomma.
Bertha was predeceased by her parents, Hugh Rufus Gray and Bertha Oliphint Gray; her husband Jim Jamison; and granddaughter, Angela Jamison.
A memorial service is to be conducted at one o'clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 21st of September, in the sanctuary of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay in Houston, where Wick Stuckey, Senior Associate Pastor, Pastoral Care, is to officiate.
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Fellowship Hall.
Prior to the service the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston.

Events

Birth18 Nov 1929Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas
Census (family)-shared1940(Hugh Rufus Gray and Bertha Benton Oliphint) Houston, Harris County, Texas
Marriage1951Samuel James Jamison Jr.
Residence1 Aug 2007Houston, Harris County, Texas
Death12 Sep 2022Houston, Harris County, Texas
BurialForest Park Lawndale Cemetery, Houston, Harris County, Texas

Families

SpouseSamuel James Jamison Jr. (1929 - 2008)
ChildJames Gray Jamison (1953 - )
ChildBryan William Jamison (1956 - )
ChildLiving
FatherHugh Rufus Gray (1900 - 1996)
MotherBertha Benton Oliphint (1900 - 1997)

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