Obituary of Bertha Carroll

Bertha Mae Fultz was born in Tazewell, Tennessee on September 29, 1919. She was one of four children born from the union of the late Jeff Fultz and Stella (Whitaker) Fultz. Bertha moved to Michigan from Tennessee in 1939. She would marry Edwin Howerton on August 25, 1941 and from this union the couple would share in the birth of six children. Bertha was a homemaker loving her family unconditionally, and always looking forward to each moment spent with them. From 1954 until 1967 the couple owned Ed's Market on West Sixth Street. For a time she also operated Tip Top Lunch on West Front Street. Edwin passed away on June 4, 1969. Bertha would then marry Tommy Carroll on November 19, 1971. Together they shared a special bond, and the couple blended their family of seven children. Tommy passed away on July 1, 2001. Bertha enjoyed crocheting, quilting, cooking and bowling at the Monroe Sports Center. She also enjoyed gardening and completing jigsaw puzzles. For many years Bertha was an active member of Frenchtown Missionary Baptist Church. Bertha, age 95, of Monroe passed away at 5:50am on Monday, July 27, 2015 at Fountainview of Monroe. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by both husbands; Two sons: James and Leroy Howerton, a daughter: Loretta Cole; an infant sister; and a great grandson: Cameron Darville. To cherish her memory she leaves four children: Eugene (Sandy) Howerton of Clare, Michigan, Lavetta (David) Bullock of Monroe, Louella Howerton of Tazewell, Tennessee, Jackie (Larry) Bunch of Monroe; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren. Graveside Services will be held at 3:00pm on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at Roselawn Memorial Park with Reverend Roy Southerland pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070 has been entrusted with her arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church Community Needs Meals. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.