Obituary of Bertha Bozeman

Bertha “Bert” Burdette Bozeman passed away on July 21st, 2016, at Kendal, a CCRC, where she and her husband Arthur Lewis “Boze” Bozeman, relocated from Simpsonville, SC 14 years ago. Bert was an independent resourceful woman who was part of “The Greatest Generation”. When she was born on September 21st, 1914 at the home of her parents, Benjamin Walker and Ella Armstrong Burdette, the house had a wood stove, no hot running water, an outdoor privy and no electricity. The youngest of five children, she grew up in an active, loving home; frequently remarking on her happy childhood. She lived through two world wars, the Korean war and the Vietnam conflict, not to mention all the international conflicts since that time. She also lived through the great depression, saw a man orbit the earth and land on the moon, witnessed the dirt streets of Simpsonville traveled by horse and buggy, turn into four lane paved roads with more traffic than she ever dreamed possible. With her passing, our family has lost a link to the past, one that simply cannot be replaced. She loved telling stories of her childhood and youth keeping her grandchildren and great-grandchildren on the edge of their seats. After graduating from Simpsonville high school, Bert attended Limestone College, where she earned a B.A. in music. After college, she worked in her father’s hardware/dry goods store, a decision she never regretted. In 1938 she married Boze and they had a happy marriage of almost 70 years. Her life revolved around her family and her church. She was a lifelong member of Simpsonville First Baptist Church of which Mr. B.W. Burdette was a founding father. Bert used her considerable leadership and organizational skills in her roles as Sunbeam and Sunday School teacher as well as in the WMU and ladies circle. She put her outstanding musical talents to work as a member of the choir and as a pianist for the youth department. She also served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and a Girl Scout troop leader. Her unwavering faith allowed her to lead a remarkable life. Bert is survived by a son, Brigadier General Michael Bozeman, U.S. Army Reserves(Ret.), and his wife Carol Kennon of Lexington, VA. ; a daughter, Anna and her husband David Kinsey, of Flat Rock, NC; a granddaughter, Gioia and her husband COL John Giltz, USMC of Fairfax, VA; a grandson, Sergeant First Class Robert Bozeman, U.S. Army(Ret.) and his wife Jennifer of Ludowici, Ga; and six great-grandchildren. A funeral service honoring and celebrating Bertha and her husband Arthur L. Bozeman will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 20,, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Simpsonville, SC with Rev. Ron Davis officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Chapel Fund, First Baptist Church of Simpsonville, 3 Hedge Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681.