FRANKLIN—Bertha Vaughan Griffith went to be with our Heavenly Father on September 23, 2011.

She was born in Murfreesboro, N.C., on October 26, 1924, to Andrew Thomas and Rosa Woodard Vaughan.

She was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Julia Henderson of Franklin and Key West, Fla.; two brothers, Thomas Vaughan of Franklin and Robert Vaughan of Hobbsville, N.C.; a great-granddaughter, Annie Louise Parker of Como, N.C.; husbands Paul Stephens of Como, N.C., and Paulette Rose and Henry Griffith, both of Franklin.

Bertha and her husband, Paul Stephens, owned and operated Steve’s Grocery in Como, N.C., for many years. She became a nurse’s aide at Raiford Memorial Hospital in Franklin in the late 1950s.

After many years of experience and training, Bertha became a licensed practical nurse. She worked the majority of her nursing career in the recovery room of Southampton Memorial Hospital. Bertha also worked private duty nursing. She was well known as a dedicated and caring nurse.

Bertha was active in Buckhorn Baptist Church in Como, N.C., while her children were growing up. She taught youth Sunday school class, was R.A. leader and a member of the women’s missionary union.

After her marriage to Paulette Rose, Bertha became a member of Franklin Baptist Church. She was an active member of High Street Senior Citizens and Woodmen of the World, holding offices in both organizations.

Bertha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, nurse and friend. She will be greatly missed by the many who love her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Irvin Lee Stephens Sr. and his wife, Sherrie, of Como, N.C., Sylvia Bryant and her husband, Stancil, of Aulander, N.C., Rose Kennington of Harrellsville, N.C., and Shirley Blythe and her husband, Keith, of Courtland; a devoted step-son, Jimmie Rose and his wife, Terri, of Franklin; her brother, Joseph Vaughan of Franklin; her thirteen grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends today (Saturday) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home and other times at the home of Shirley and Keith Blythe, 29093 Millstone Circle, Courtland. Services to rejoice in Bertha’s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 25, 2011, at Franklin Baptist Church with the Rev. Sharon James officiating. Interment will follow in Southampton Memorial Park.

Flowers are welcome or a donation may be made to Franklin Baptist Church or the Katie Parker Benefit Fund c/o Sylvia Bryant, 128 J.T. Hall Road, Aulander, N.C., 27805. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.