Bertha Mae Seward

On Sunday, July 7, 2024, at MUSC Hospital in Orangeburg, SC, Bertha Mae "Birdie" was called to be with the Lord. She was the daughter of Samuel L. and Mattie Mae Gilliard, born on December 3, 1957 in Holly Hill, SC.

She received her education at Holly Hill Roberts High School in Holly Hill, SC. She was a member of Rock Hill AME Church. Bertha Mae "Birdie" loved cooking, listening to gospel (especially Lee Williams greatest hits) and southern music (Pokey Bear - Side Piece). While lounging at home, she loved watching good horror and action movies. Although her health was failing, she was always in high spirits. You never heard her complain about anything.

Bertha Mae "Birdie" work at The Holly Hill Horse Track, where she'd walk the horses. That's how she gained the name "Quarter Horse."

Bertha Mae "Birdie" was preceded in death by both of her parents and her maternal and paternal grandparents, her sister, Margie Brown, her brother, Jervie Gilliard; her beloved husbands, Freddie Seward and Gene Haynes and her nephew, Wesley Gilliard.

Bertha Mae "Birdie" will be greatly missed and loved by who all knew her. Her precious memory will forever be cherished by her loving daughters, Mattie L. Haynes and Felica King; her precious grandchildren, Kyra Johnson and Ethan Smalls; her loving godson, Sheake Gilliard; her special loving niece and nephews, Gwendolyn Gilliard, Harold Gilliard (Sharon), Victor Gilliard, and Antonio Mc Fadden (Sheena); her loving sister, Mary Bradley (Hayes); her loving brothers, Sammie Gilliard (Jannie), Robert Gilliard, Willie T. Gilliard (Helen), Frand Gilliard (Hannah); her sisters-in-law, Thomasena Seward, Nancy Seward, Fayetta James (Bernard), Evelyn Seward, Ermena Marion, Susan Major (Donald) and Ida Davis; her brothers-in-law, Oneal Seward (Robin), Curtis Seward (Elizabeth), Leon Leward (Cleonis), Randolph Seward, Larry Leward (Andrea), Donnie Leward (Aubretta), Bernard Seward and Richard L. Haynes and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

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