Bertha Lee Garnett-Peterson begun her life journey in Sealy, Austin, Texas. She was born on September 28, 1934 to the late Charles Watson and Rutha Mae Garnett.  

Bertha confessed her hope in Christ at an early age. She was a member of St. Paul Africa Methodist Episcopal Church, Sealy Texas for many years. Later in life she became a faithful member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, Brookshire, Texas.

Bertha moved with her family to Houston, Texas. She attended school in Houston. She graduated from George Washington Carver School. In school, Bertha was a majorette, a speaking contestant, a member of the Glee Club and was the church pianist.

In 1949, she enrolled into the Franklin Beauty School. Her career and profession as a beautician and a mental health counselor allow her to help many people.

Bertha married Joddie Bernard Kesee, Sr, they were blessed with two children. Later she married Johnnie Alvin Peterson and were blessed with three children.

Bertha’s family and friends were always welcome at her home as she enjoyed entertaining her many friends and neighbors. She was the hostess that had the best dinners and parties in the neighborhood. She enjoyed cooking soul food, especially gumbo, working with her crafts and arts projects with her family and friends.

Bertha is preceded in death by her father, Charles Watson, mother Rutha Mae Garnett, one brother, Moulton Garnett, Jr., one son, Joddie Bernard Kesee, Jr., and one granddaughter, Christia Peterson.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories; four daughters, Nedra Kesee, Alvina Peterson, Tammie Stewart and Ruby Calip; eleven grandchildren, Tanesha Kesee, Sanetra Jones, Olga “Nicki” Kesee, Damon Kesee-Cross, Misha Grando, Jonathan Kesee, Andre “Nicole” Jeffery, Jamie Lloyd, Aida “Michelle” Francis, Samantha Stewart and Chazmin Calip, 20 great-grandchildren, 12, great-great-grandchildren, a special niece, Toni Garnett, a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.