Bertha Lorena DuBose's Obituary
Bertha Keller DuBose died, age 86, September 14 after a brief illness. Bertha was born Bertha Lorena Keller September 7, 1919 in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Both of her parents were from families of the earliest settlers in the area with title deeds based on land grants from King James.
She had seven brothers and sisters. Despite the set backs and limitations produced by the great depression, all of them attended college which was very unusual in that time and place. Bertha was trained as a chemist and worked in that capacity during the war, one of the first women to do so
After a brief wartime courtship, she married Captain John Barcus DuBose. After he returned from overseas, they moved to Longview and happily shared the next 60 years of married life until his death in February, 2004.
Both of them took an active part in the community. At various times she was a chemistry teacher, a den mother, a founding member of the Longfellow Society, a Sunday school teacher at the First United Methodist Church of Longview in addition to talking an active role in many political campaigns through the years.
Throughout her long life, Bertha Keller DuBose was determined to live up to the highest standards of personal integrity. She was also very successful at keeping her family well looked after while pursuing many serious projects of her own, and so there are many, many of us who are grateful.
She is survived by her sons, Dr. John B. DuBose and Dr. Ralph K. DuBose and their wives Madge and Cora and grandchildren, Arielle and Brian Keller all of Houston.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any favorite cause or charity.
Memorial services will be 2 PM Saturday at the First United Methodist Church of Longview with Dr. Pat Sparks officiating. Rader Funeral Home of Longview is in charge of arrangements.
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