Bertha Alice Trent Harmon was born in Dillwyn, Virginia, as the
eighth child of the late Wiley Jones Trent and Clara Belle Booker Trent.
She was called home to be with her Creator and Lord, whom she loved and
worshipped, on December 11, 2023. She was such a loving wife, mother,
grandmother, sister, and friend. She was ahead of her time in many ways
and always wise beyond her years, with good common sense, sound advice
and leadership. Her gentle ways and contagious smile were surpassed only
by her perseverance and optimism. She faced serious obstacles that she was
able to turn into positive cures. She loved her large family and family gatherings, and in 1990, she
organized the first Dean, Hemmings, and Trent Family Reunion. While she was still a youngster, she exemplified the faith that had
been instilled in her by her parents, by professing her faith in Christ and
joining Mount Nebo Baptist Church. Later she became a member of the
Macedonia Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, New York. Upon moving
back to Virginia, she became reinstated with Mount Nebo. Education was always an important part of Bertha’s life. She completed
her early education in the public schools of Buckingham County, VA, and
graduated as Valedictorian of her high school class. She obtained a Bachelor
of Science degree from Virginia State College (now University), and later
studied extensively at Columbia and Pace Universities. She participated in
many in-service courses, seminars, and workshops offered by the Yonkers
board of Education. Upon receiving her degree from Virginia State, Bertha taught high
school in Northumberland County, VA for two years before moving to
New York. There she worked for Macy’s Department Store as a bookkeeper
in a private concern. She worked as a social worker for the Yonkers Welfare
Department before becoming a science teacher at Yonkers High School.
She was deeply respected by her fellow teachers and students. Also at
Yonkers High, she was known as the one to try to beat playing Scrabble.
She retired from the Yonkers Board of Education. Bertha met and married the love of life, Woodrow Harmon in
New York and from that union their son, Anthony, was born. Bertha
was preceded in death by: her husband, Woodrow; her beloved son,
Anthony; and long-time friend, Francell Holcomb. She is survived by: her
granddaughter, Danielle Harmon; brother, Samuel Trent (Linda); nieces,
Ethel, Millicent, Barbara, Stephanie, and Yvette; nephews, Milton and Eric;
many great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.