Once again the early ray of the morning sun of January 17, 2006, scattered its beams and the luminous light ray carried away our dear aunt, cousin and friend.

Bertha E. Anthony was a native of Nansemond County and was the daughter of the late George and Katie Sykes. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Anthony; brothers Leroy Sykes and Benjamin Sykes; and sister, Amy Ralph.

She leaves to cherish her memory nieces, Corrine Rowlette (Tony) of Chesapeake, Jacqueline Winfield (Sam) of Suffolk and Susan Lee (Phillip) of Newport News; one great niece and four great nephews; a god daughter, Cathy Blount of Suffolk; two devoted cousins, Roxanne Johnson and Diane Matthews; a special friend, Janice White; cousins and a host of friends.

Bertha attended Nansemond County Schools and had retired from Suffolk Public Schools some years ago. She was a life member of Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church, where she was a former member of the Nurses’ Ministry and choir member.

The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Lakeview Missionary Baptist Church. A viewing will be Friday from noon until 8 p.m. Professional service entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Friday evening at the T.E. Cook-Overton Funeral Home from 7-8 p.m. Burial will be in the Carver Memorial Cemetery