Bertha Solomon Elmore Newbern was born on August 30, 1934, and passed away on May 4, 2026, at 11:49 pm. She was 91 years old. She was born in Newton Falls, Ohio to Daniel Dorsett and Bertha Elmore. She was the 9th of 10 children.

Bertha Newbern is survived by: Dr. Carla (Cleophus, Jr., Juris Doctor) Thomas, Dr. Stephen (Ntombi) Newbern, and Martha (Carlton) Newbern; her grandchildren, Dr. Cleophus (Claudia) Thomas, III, Phillips (Dr. Chad) Hornbuckle, Juris Doctor, Caleb Thomas, Malachi Carl Newbern, Kaiyah Newbern, Aylah Newbern, and Dahvid Newbern; her great-grandchildren, Atticus Donald Hornbuckle, Etta Grace Hornbuckle, Marcelo Mercado Thomas, and Maya Mercado Thomas; a plethora of nieces and nephews, as well as godchildren (Martha Henry and Eric Elmore).

She was preceded in death by her son, Carlton Newbern (1958-2006) and by her husband, Dr. Carl Newbern, DDS (December 27, 1929-April 19, 2018). They were married for 62 years (wed on March 30, 1956). Carl was the son of William Tyus and Lucy Clemmons Newbern of Detroit, Michigan.

She was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Kiwanis International, and Toastmasters. She attended First Missionary Baptist Church, Anniston Full Gospel Holy Temple, and St. Luke Orthodox Church of Anniston, Alabama.

She worked as a kindergarten teacher in Cincinnati, Ohio. Known for her storytelling as a clown, horticultural master creations, and sartorial accomplishments, she also volunteered for the Red Cross, painted, played the piano, and insisted on planting flowers at the high school. She was a plant whisperer. When no one could be found to lead a neighborhood scout troop, she became both a den mother and a scout leader.

Her favorite sayings were "turn your Xmas lights on by smiling", "let your heart be a garden of love", and "be a saint in training". Her favorite bible verses: 1 Peter: 24-25 "all people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field, the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord endures forever," and Solomon 8:7 "Many waters cannot quench love…".

Bertha was a cherished member of the community, known for her kindness, strength, and dedication to those she loved. She touched many lives through her warmth and generosity, leaving a lasting impression on family, friends, and neighbors. She is remembered fondly by her loved ones, whose lives were enriched by her presence. Her legacy lives on through the memories she created and the love she shared.