Bertha Bell Southwood, age 96, passed from this life on Sunday, June 17, 2007. She was born on June 2, 1911, and was the daughter of Joe Sallee and Elizabeth Bell. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Bill Bell, George Bell, Woodrow Bell and Mancel Bell and her sisters, Rona Stringer, Frona Hill, Ruby Butler, Edna Lloyd, Ethel Bell and Bonnie Brummett.

She was united in marriage to Eskel Southwood on December 8, 1929, and to this union was born eleven children: Betty Deane (Billy) of Monticello, KY; Nita Richardson (Virgil) of Monticello, KY; Sonny Southwood (Barbara) of Albany, KY; Curtis Southwood (Emilee) of LaPorte, IN; Russell Southwood of Indianapolis, IN; Eskel (Tojo) Southwood, Jr. (Jewell) of Fairland, IN; Manuel (Bob) Southwood (Margie) of Indianapolis, IN; Dottie McClane (Don) of Monticello, KY; Randy Southwood (Oreda) of Monticello, KY; Carol Bennett (Steve) of Greenfield, IN and Janet McQueary (Darrell) of Russell Springs, KY. She also had 29 Grandchildren, 38 Great Grandchildren, and 17 Great Great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, extended family, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eskel, three children, Betty, Nita, and Sonny. She was a loving wife, a precious mother, and a trusting friend, and she will be sadly missed by many.

She gave her life to Jesus at the age of 19 years. She later joined the Parnell Baptist Church in 1930, a church that she attended faithfully for 95 ½ years. She lived a life that reflected God's love. Her children, grandchildren, neighbors and friends were blessed by her faith. She will be remembered by many for her dedication to her church and her love of God.


Visitation: Monday, June 18th after 4 pm
Funeral Service: Tuesday, June 19th at 1 pm
Interment: Parnell Baptist Church Cemetery