Mrs. Bertha Lee Harrison

Her Story: Bertha Lee Harrison (better known as Madia) was born on March 21, 1928 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Wesley Phillips and Sallie Smith. Madia accepted Christ at an early age. Madia attended the Birmingham Public School System. While in high school, Madia matured and earned honors academically, as well as flourished in fashion advancing her natural beauty. Shortly after her high school days, Madia would marry Mr. George Williams and from this union Harold J. Phillips was born. Although this union would be short lived, Madia enjoyed being a loving family woman and decided to remarry and from her union with Mr. Otto Edward Harrison Sr., Barbara, Betty, and Otto Edward Harrison Jr. were born. Now, with a strong hold on life and without a thought of ever giving up on love, Madia found refuge in a WWII U.S. Army Veteran, Mr. James Patterson and from this union welcomed Denise, Michael and Rodney Patterson into the world. Madia was a well-rounded woman due to an array of professions. From care giving (showing her softer side) to working in a slaughter house (where she doubled-down on her thick skin) and with a tongue (sharp enough to cut the tension in the air), catapulted Madia into a shrewd business woman. Madia worked hard to provide a better life for her children. Her children were her heart and soul and Madia would go up against an army if she found out anyone of her children were being wronged. Family trips were the ultimate joy for Madia, for they were the fruits of her labor. A super-model in her own right. Madia was a classy, elegant lady and when she stepped out it was like poetry in motion. She loved cooking (the kitchen was Madia's sanctuary). She'd be up all night assuring that everyone who visited had enough to eat (along with a sweet potato pie to take home.) Madia was loved by many, because she would love and care for anyone as if they were one of her own. In her later years, Madia began to have bible studies with several Jehovah's Witnesses in her home. Although she never made it to the point of baptism, Madia would recognize and confess."Jehovah as the one and only "true" God." Madia departed this life in the early morning of December 12, 2018.

Mrs. Bertha Lee Harrison

March 21, 1928 - December 12, 2018