Home Our Story

Our Family Story

The Legacy of Albertha — A Journey Through Generations

Inspired by the resilience and legacy of our matriarch Albertha "Berta" Johnson, this story celebrates the generations she nurtured and the values she passed on. This is not just history—it's the heartbeat of who we are.

Albertha 'Berta' Johnson
Our Matriarch

Albertha "Berta" Johnson

Born on March 12, 1925, in Savannah, Georgia, Albertha Marie Johnson (née Williams) was a woman of extraordinary strength, wisdom, and compassion. Known affectionately as "Berta" to those who loved her, she became the heart and foundation of our family through decades of change and growth. The name 'Berta' became a loving shorthand—called out across porches, whispered in kitchens, and now passed down as a family identity.

"Family isn't just about blood relations. It's about who stays in your heart even when they leave your home. It's about who shows up, who stands by you, and who makes your life better just by being in it."

— Albertha "Berta" Johnson, 1978

Berta was known for her incredible cooking that brought the family together, her unwavering faith that guided her through life's challenges, and her ability to make everyone feel special and valued. She raised five children while working as a schoolteacher, instilling in them the values of education, perseverance, and community service.

Her home was always open to family, friends, and neighbors in need. Sunday dinners at Berta's house became a cherished tradition that continued for over 50 years, creating a space where family bonds were strengthened and stories were passed down through generations.

Birth

March 12, 1925

Passed

January 8, 2015

Children

5

Grandchildren

17

Explore Berta's Timeline

Family Timeline

Journey through the key moments that shaped our family history and Albertha's legacy.

1925

Albertha's Birth

March 12, 1925 - Albertha Marie Williams was born in Savannah, Georgia to James and Elizabeth Williams.

Birthplace in Savannah
1947

Marriage to Robert Johnson

June 15, 1947 - Albertha married Robert Johnson after his return from service in World War II.

Wedding Day
1950s

Family Growth

Between 1948 and 1959, Albertha and Robert welcomed five children: Robert Jr., Mary, James, Elizabeth, and Thomas.

Growing Family
1968

First Family Reunion

July 4, 1968 - Albertha organized the first official family reunion, bringing together 47 family members in Savannah.

First Reunion
2015

Berta's Legacy

January 8, 2015 - Albertha passed away peacefully at age 90, leaving behind 5 children, 17 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Memorial Garden

Help us expand the timeline! If you have dates, photos, or stories we should add, click here to contribute or contact Onyx.

Remembering Berta

Family members share their memories and the impact Albertha had on their lives.

Mary Johnson

Mary Johnson-Williams

Daughter, 67

"My mother taught me that strength isn't about never falling – it's about rising every time you fall. She faced so many challenges raising us as a working mother in those times, but she never complained. Instead, she showed us how to face life with grace and determination."

Mary continues her mother's legacy as an educator, having served as a school principal for over 25 years.

Marcus Johnson

Marcus Johnson

Grandson, 42

"Grandma Berta's kitchen was where I learned some of life's most important lessons. She'd say, 'You measure ingredients in cooking, but you measure character in how you treat others.' Her Sunday dinners weren't just about food – they were about creating a space where everyone felt valued and heard."

Marcus now hosts his own Sunday family dinners, continuing the tradition his grandmother started.

Tasha Williams

Tasha Williams

Great-Granddaughter, 26

"I was only 16 when Great-Grandma Berta passed, but her influence on me has been profound. She always told me, 'Education is the one thing nobody can take from you.' When I graduated college, I felt her presence so strongly – I was the first in our family to earn a master's degree, and I know she would have been so proud."

Tasha works as an educational policy advocate, inspired by her great-grandmother's commitment to learning.

Memory Wall

Your story will be preserved on the BERTA Memory Wall and shared with future generations at the reunion.

Share Your Memory

Drag and drop a photo here, or click to browse

JPG, PNG or GIF, max 5MB

Recent Memories

James Johnson

James Johnson

Son, 72 • Memory from 1965

"I remember when Mom took us all to the March on Washington in 1963. I was just 10 years old, but she insisted it was important for us to witness history. She said, 'Some moments you need to see with your own eyes so you can tell the story right.' That day taught me more than any history book ever could. She always made sure we understood our place in history and our responsibility to make it better."

June 12, 2025
Lisa Thomas

Lisa Thomas

Granddaughter, 52 • Memory from 1985

"Grandma Berta's recipe box was like a family treasure chest. When I got married in 1985, she gave me her special peach cobbler recipe as a wedding gift. She said, 'This recipe has fed this family through good times and hard times. Now it's yours to carry forward.' I've made that cobbler for every family gathering since, and every time I make it, I feel her standing right beside me in the kitchen."

June 10, 2025
Michael Williams

Michael Williams

Great-Grandson, 34 • Memory from 2010

"When I was struggling in college and thinking about dropping out, I went to visit Great-Grandma Berta. She was 85 then but sharp as ever. She listened to all my complaints, then simply said, 'Education is never wasted. You might not see the purpose now, but trust that it's building something in you.' She told me how she had to fight for her own education in a time when it wasn't easily accessible to her. I went back to school the next day with a completely different perspective."

June 5, 2025

Continue Exploring

Return to the main page to discover more about our family platform, upcoming reunion plans, and ways to get involved.