Bertha Daylong

Bertha Allen Daylong, age 88, passed into heaven on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. She was a simple East Texas girl, who was born to Edgar William and Ruth Louise Allen on February 2, 1936 in Teague, Texas. Born the second of four children, and into an era of extreme difficulty and instability, she lost her mother at age six. Her father was often absent, thus, she, along with all her siblings, were raised under the loving guidance of different aunts and uncles. Picking cotton, gardening, eating daily beans and cornbread, barefoot and donned in potato sack dresses, she learned resourcefulness, the value of hard work, how to make fun in simplicity, and the importance of family.

Reflecting on those days, she would tell of how a particular Aunt Opal would comb her hair, make a yellow cake (very special occasions), take her to church, and treat her as her own; all precious memories to this young girl.

At age 16, Bertha moved to Midland, TX, where she worked at an A&W Root Beer stand, the local gathering hub for teens. Here she met the love of her life, Earnest Daylong. So young, both 17, they married on July 3, 1953. A lively marriage of 48 years, they were blessed with five children. Oh, how she loved having her own family!

Being a wife and mother was truly fulfilling. Busy days of what some would call mundane was quite the opposite. She found joy in her family gathered around the dinner table, sewing for herself and daughter, reading to and playing games with her kids. A woman with a list of to- do’s, and a house full of loud boys, occasionally she was known to herd them to the backyard and lock the door, simply so she could get the floor mopped! Weekends and holidays were commonly spent with aunts, uncles and cousins, sometimes fishing and picnicking, and other times dancing in the living room with the furniture pushed to the walls, and record player roaring with Western hits. Family gatherings were so much fun; everyone loved Aunt Bertha!

Over time she became a Mamaw to 19 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. Her sewing spilled over into the creation of countless personalized blankets and pillow cases. Birthday celebrations were always a favorite of hers. She was also a master at dice canasta. No one could beat Bertha. No one.

Always up for an adventure, Bertha and Earnest loved a good road trip. A day trip, a weekend trip, a weeklong trip, it need not be extravagant...let’s go! Hunting for cactus, rolling the dice in Vegas, visiting family members, going to a favorite fishing camp.

 When she had quiet time to herself, she could be found cross- stitching, painting, gardening or reading, whether it be a novel or her Bible.

As much as she adored her expansive family, Bertha was first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ. He was her strength, her hope, her source of wisdom and assurance. She spent many years involved in serving Him and others through her local church, praying for and helping people, whether in or outside the church. She loved what God loved, so she loved people. She loved people very well. Bertha will be deeply missed, but is now more fully alive than she has ever been since she drew her very first earthly breath.

Bertha is survived by sons Carl Daylong (Phyllis), Earnie Daylong (Annie), daughter Linda Ravey (Rick), daughter-in-law, Janie Daylong; grandchildren, Michael Daylong, Ashley Daylong, Bobby Collins, Brandy Mangan (Walt), Christopher Collins (Adrianne), Mark Collins (Keri), Katherine Tunning (Terry), Janette Currin (Simon), Amy Carlson (Nick), Valerie Hufschmid (Michael), Simeon Daylong (Amanda), Naomi Newell (Cameron),Samuel Daylong, Abigail Kelley (Kenny), Eva Shivers, Trisha Daylong, Rachael Mills (Andy), Michelle Daylong (Chris Davies), and Aubrey Daylong. As well as thirty-one great grandchildren. Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Daylong, her sons Eugene and Wayne, and her siblings and their spouses.

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:21