Bertha T. Ledbetter Fites

Bertha T. Ledbetter-Fites was born December 17, 1943, to William Ledbetter and Lillie Mae Eddy. Bertha was affectionately known as “Tina” to her family and friends. She attended Douglass grade school; Central Junior; and Wyandotte High School. She attended college in both Missouri and Texas where she obtained degrees in business, education, and music. She worked in the greater Dallas area as a substitute teacher until her illness prevented her from teaching anymore.

Tina had a genuine passion for gospel music from singing to directing. During the late 70’s to the mid 80’s she sang in the Inspirational Choir and was one of the directors of the Youth and Young Adult Choirs at Mt. Vernon M.B.C. of Kansas City, MO. She was a part of the Sunshine District Association Choir and also one of the directors of the Youth and Young Adult Sunshine District Association Choir. She was involved as a member and one of the directors for Gospel Music Workshop of America Kansas City Chapter.

Tina was a member of the These Are They Singers and Alpha Mu Lambda a gospel music and fine arts organization in Kansas City. She was the general director of the Eddy Ensemble which was a gospel group composed of members of the Eddy family. In Dallas, where she resided, she was one of the directors of the Adult choir and youth Sunday school teacher at Greater Memorial M.B.C. where she was a member until her passing.

Tina ascended into glory on December 6, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Fites; her daughter, Marquita M. Douglas; her mother, Lillie Mae Warfield; her brothers William (Billy) Warfield, and Tony Warfield.

Tina leaves behind to cherish her memory, her daughter, Roberta Dever (Ronald); sons, Robert L. Smith II (Angelita), and Michael Dawson; three sisters Constance “Connie” McAnderson, Alberta Wallace, and Zola Mae Simons; granddaughter, Martine Gurley; grandson, Robert L. Smith III; three great granddaughters, Aalexsys Gurley, Zaliya Gurley, Trinity Ware; and a host of cousins, other family, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday January 13, 2024, visitation will be from 10 A.M. - 11 A.M. with services beginning at 11 A.M. at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church located at 8640 Sni A Bar Rd. Kansas City, Missouri 64129.

Interment : Longview Cemetery