Bertie M. Jones

Bertie M. Nichols Brown Jones, the daughter of the late Pearl E. Nichols and the late Edmond Friend, was born January 22, 1932, in Denton, Maryland. She departed this life on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Wicomico Nursing Home in Salisbury, Maryland.

Bertie grew up in Denton, Maryland and received her education in the Caroline County Public School System.  She attended the former Lockerman High School.

Bertie was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Clarence J. Brown, Jr. on January 27, 1951, and moved to Chance, Maryland.  From their union, four children were born.  They later moved to the Venton area in Princess Anne, Maryland.  She remained married to Clarence until his death on March 16, 1990.

She was employed for three years at Swanson’s which later became the Campbell Soup Company in Salisbury, Maryland.  She was co-owner/operator of BMB Market on Deal Island Road for many years until it closed.  The market was famous for selling home grown produce and homemade dinners and desserts.  After the closing of the market in the mid-70’s, Bertie dedicated her time as a wife and homemaker, taking care of her family.  She enjoyed cleaning, cooking various dishes and baking cakes and pies.  She also enjoyed canning vegetables and making homemade jam and jelly.

Bertie joined Grace United Methodist Church during the 1980’s.  She was a very active member in the church.  She was a Communion Steward, Usher, Choir member, a member of the United Methodist Women, a Bible Scholar, and a member of several other committees.  She was a faithful member and enjoyed working in the church where needed.  She belonged to the Ventoneers Gospel Group which traveled to sing at various churches across the Eastern Shore.  Once Grace United Methodist Church merged with two other community churches to become Trinity United Methodist Community Worship Center, Bertie continued to be an active member.

On June 23, 2001, at the young age of 69, Bertie married Lester O. Jones, Sr. They enjoyed attending church services, conferences, riding out and spending time together.  They remained married until his death on October 18, 2012.

In her later years, Bertie enjoyed caring for her grandchildren. She loved all kinds of music and would frequently dance while she was cooking or cleaning. She had a special little dance that only she and DJ shared. Ron Ron loved to tease her and call her Bertie Mae. She would get the fly swatter and say, “I got your Bertie Mae.”  She often said that

Terron would be a minister and when he became a certified lay servant, she was very proud of him. TJ was the baby of the grandchildren and she loved to play cards and various games with him. When her great-grandchildren were born, she showered them with the same love and affection as she did her children and grandchildren up until she passed away.

Bertie leaves to cherish loving memories:  four children, Clarence J. Brown, III and Velvet Brown of Fruitland; Patricia Jones-Bailey of Eden, MD and Cheryl Handy of Salisbury; four grandchildren, Ronald Corbin, Jr., of Salisbury, Daurell Jones, Jr., of Eden, Terron Corbin, of Fruitland and Antonio (TJ) Handy, Jr., of Salisbury; two great grandchildren, Jayden Jones, Baltimore, MD and Messiah Corbin, Fruitland, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Mount Carmel  Baptist Church, 30683 Hampden Avenue, Princess Anne,  Maryland with a viewing one hour prior. A public viewing will be held 2:00-6:00 PM Friday, June 16, 2023 at Anthony E. Ward, Jr. Funeral Home in Princess Anne. Interment will be at Grace Cemetery in Venton, Maryland.