Mrs. Albertha "Birtie" Dawson Wade

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7) We now pause to pay our final respects and celebrate the life of Deaconess Albertha “Birtie” Dawson Wade, a beloved sister, aunt, relative, and friend. Deaconess Albertha “Birtie” Dawson Wade was born on October 20, 1938, in Sumter County, South Carolina. She was the fourth of nine children born to the late Mr. Evans “Ape” Dawson and Mrs. Beulah “Sweet” Dawson. She peacefully departed this life on July 9, 2026, at the home of her sister, Beulah Dawson Floyd. On June 11, 1983, Albertha was united in holy matrimony to the late Mr. Horace Hampton Wade. Although she had no biological children, she poured her love into her nieces and nephews, who loved and cherished her in return. Throughout her illness, they treated her like a queen, surrounding her with unwavering love, compassion, and devoted care. And, as the family often joked with a smile, her nieces knew that she loved her nephews the most. Albertha accepted Christ at an early age and became a devoted member of High Hills Missionary Baptist Church. After graduating from Ebenezer High School with the Class of 1957, she relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where she continued her education and enjoyed making New York her home. While in New York, she united with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverend Uriah B. Whitfield. There, she faithfully served the Lord, was ordained as a deaconess, and dedicated many years as chairperson of the Deaconess Board and the Program Committees. Professionally, Albertha was employed by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company until the company relocated from New York. In 1990, she joined Brookwood Child Care and faithfully served there until retiring on June 30, 2003. After returning to South Carolina, Albertha joyfully reunited with her church family at High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, where she continued her faithful service as a member of the Missionary Ministry, remaining committed to her faith and her church until her health no longer permitted. Albertha found great joy in shopping, baking delicious pies and cakes, cooking, and entertaining family and friends. She treasured every opportunity to gather with her loved ones, creating memories filled with laughter, warmth, and love. In 2017, Albertha was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Even as her memory began to fade, she deeply appreciated the family and friends who continued to visit, reminding her that she was never alone or forgotten. She faced her journey with remarkable grace, quiet strength, and unwavering faith, never once complaining. Throughout her illness, her family surrounded her with steadfast love, patience, and compassionate care, ensuring she was treated with the dignity and affection she so richly deserved. As her earthly body grew weary, they found comfort in giving God all the praise and glory, trusting that He had graciously granted her eternal rest from her labor. Albertha was also an active participant in the Dawson Family Reunion, where she delighted in fellowship, cherished family traditions, and the opportunity to create lasting memories with generations of those she loved. She leaves to cherish her precious memories with her devoted sister, Beulah Dawson Floyd, of Dalzell, South Carolina; her niece, Phyllis D. Hough, whom she raised as a daughter; her godchildren, Antoine (her boy) Edwards and Harrison James Edwards of Dalzell, South Carolina; her stepdaughter, LaTanya Wade; her four sisters-in-laws, Lou Ella Dawson, Evelyn Dawson, and Mary Moore of Dalzell, South Carolina; Annie W. Williams, Rembert, South Carolina; a host of beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends, especially, Bertha Brown of New York and Earlene Crockett, New Jersey. In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Lillie Mae Dawson, Christine Dawson, Ruth Dawson Alston, Josephine Carryall Brown, and Shirley E. Holmes-Thompson; her brothers, James Carryall, Sylvester Dawson, Isra Dawson, Fred Alston, and Harry Alston; and her brothers-in-law, Daniel Alston, George Floyd, Leroy Brown, Simon Wade, June Wade, and Martin Wade.

Mrs. Albertha "Birtie" Dawson Wade

October 20, 1938 - July 9, 2026