Bertha Lee Gillard-Herring, affectionately known as Bertha Lee, Bert, or Lady BB, was born on May 29, 1948, in Andrew, S.C., to the late Willie Brown and the late Bertha Nesmith-Brown. On August 22, 2026, at 2:00 a.m., at the age of 78, she peacefully transitioned from this earthly life into eternal rest.

Bertha graduated from Shavis High School in 1966. After graduating, she moved with her family to Jersey City, NJ, and in 1968 married William (Bo) Gillard and moved to New Haven, CT, the same year. She later worked at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for 34 years and retired in 2002.

At an early age, Bertha accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She became a faithful member of New Bethlehem Church, 70 Orchard Street, New Haven, CT, in 1974 under the leadership of Bishop Aaron Gore and later Pastor Maria Gore. She was a member of the senior choir and later elevated to one of the mothers of the church. Bertha also attended Rock Tabernacle Bible Institute for two years and received her diploma.

Bertha had a strong passion for singing and wanted to minister to the people through song. She did just that with her first singing group, The Good Samaritans, and later she became a member of the Gospel Express Singers, Inc., for 22 years.

On October 14, 2007, Bertha Gillard-Herring and Roscoe Herring, Jr were united in marriage after 18 years of dating, a total of 37 years together.

 Bertha was a loving, compassionate, and devoted mother, wife, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and friend. She enjoyed singing, bowling, traveling, and most of all, spending time with her family. She was a prayer warrior and believed in and loved the Lord with all her heart and soul. She believed that there was nothing HE could not do if it was HIS will. She will be remembered for her sweet, beautiful smile, her hearty laugh, and her ability to makeothers laugh. She was a great conversationalist and listener. She was humorous and generous. You always had a good time in her presence (Unless you brought out that other twin, then you were in trouble).

Bertha was preceded in death by her father, Willie Brown, and her mother, Bertha Nesmith- Brown. Her brothers were Willie Harvey Brown, Elder Willie Ed Brown, Henry Lee Brown, and Jerome Brown, and her sister, Jannie Lee Richard. A goddaughter, Valerie Howard.

She leaves to cherish precious memories: her husband, Roscoe Herring, Jr., her children, Tyrone and Evan Gillard of New Haven, and Keith A. Williams(Nicole) of Fuquay Varina, NC Grandchildren: Evan Gillard of Waterbury, Jayla and Jada Gillard of Richmond, VA, Alasia Gillard of Kentucky, Maria Moore of West Haven, Andrea, Marcus, Jasmine and Kennedi Williams of Fuquay Varina, NC. 10 great grandchildren. Brothers: Levern Brown(Elaine) of New Haven, James Edward Brown(Denise) of Middletown, Rev. Romie Brown of Lilburn, GA, Pastor Dorothy Conner(Apostle Marvin) of Grimesland, NC, and Betty J. Brown of New Haven. Godmother: Mother Gloria V. Ammons of Hamden, CT. Godchildren: Diamond Henderson and Kyema Smith of Atlanta, GA; Lloyd Smith and Vernon Thompson of New Haven; and Jaylen Hinton of Goldsboro, NC; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and dear friends.

Though Bertha is no longer physically present, her love, faith, wisdom, and beautiful legacy will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Bertha’s favorite saying is “When I think of the goodness of Jesus and all HE has done for me, my very soul cries out, Hallelujah! I thank God for saving me.

Professional services provided by McClam Funeral Home of New Haven, CT.