Bertha Crittendon

Bertha Lou Cooper bounced into this world December 2, 1944 as the youngest
child of the late Johnny and Bertha Cooper of Giddings, Texas. Known as
Willie Bell to her family, she was the youngest of 9 children. She accepted
Christ as a young child. Her faith continued throughout her life. Often times
her strength and determination allowed her to jump leaps and bounds.

THE UNION:
Bertha met Maurice ?Billy? Crittendon in grade school. And as the story goes,
it was love at first sight. Maurice took one look at Bertha and he knew he had
to have her and that one day he would make her his wife. From that
determination brew a marriage that lasted for fifty years. The two were married
8 days after their high school graduation on June 8, 1963 in Giddings, TX. Per
Maurice, they still owe the preacher that married them 7 dollars. From that
union came three beautiful children. Ladell ?Dell? Crittendon, DeMaurice ?Skip?
Crittendon and the late Antoine ?Tony? Crittendon. The two moved from Giddings
to Houston and eventually settled in Dallas, TX.

THE LEGACY:
Bertha had numerous jobs until settling into entrepreneurship. As an
entrepreneur, Bert created ?Fantastic Afro,? which consisted of hair products
including a relaxer for natural hair, moisturizing sprays and texturizers. Maurice
and Bertha opened Fair Deal Barbershop in the 70?s and sold her products.
They revolutionized hair care in their area and would often have lines of people
waiting for their services and supplies. Bertha passed her gift on to her children,
whom all became barbers and even went on to teach. She later transitioned
into the auto business, opening Crittendon?s Auto Part Store in the mid-80?s.
She has always been known as the strong, not so silent type! She said what
she meant and meant what she said.

THE DETERMINATION:
Bertha?s health had long been a struggle, but you would never know from her
spirit. She greeted each day with a smile and even when in pain, she looked
after her family. In her final weeks, she was cared for impeccably by her
daughter Ladell, husband Maurice, son DeMaurice and daughter-in-law Diann.

THE SETTING:
Bertha was called home November 4, 2013. She was preceded by her son,
Antoine; her parents, Johnny and Bertha Cooper; her siblings, Willie, Hamilton,
Melvin, Gentry and Nola. She is survived by her husband of fifty years, Maurice;
her daughter, Ladell and son, DeMaurice; siblings, Fannie Mae, Ruthie and
Johnny; daughter-in-law, Diann; grandchildren, Anika, Demetrice, Makayla,
Avery, Mahogany, Caleb, Breyton, Ariel, Chris and Gavino; great
grandchildren, Giovanni, Gianna, and a host of nieces.

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