Bertha Lee Howze

Bertha Lee Smith Howze, 89, of Waterloo, peacefully transitioned to her Heavenly Home Wednesday, January 4, 2023, while a patient at UnityPoint Allen Hospital surrounded by her loving children. She was born in Clark County, Alabama on June 4, 1933, the daughter of Sam and Katie Pugh Smith. Bertha attended school at the Clark County Training School in Coffeeville, Alabama. She worked as a cook at the John Deere facility on Donald Street in Waterloo. She married John Howze and they later divorced. The couple was blessed with seven children.

Bertha was a caring individual. She is remembered as a wonderful cook and gracious hostess. Her passion was taking care of others. Bertha always assumed you were tired and hungry, both problems she could solve for you. Providing for her children was her life's main objective. Bertha's life was not complete without lap time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bertha is especially remembered for her pound cakes and the many holiday pies she baked for family and friends. A member of Payne AME church for over 55 years, Bertha loved her church family. She served on the hospitality committee for many years, served on the Usher Board and sang in the Senior Choir.

Bertha is survived by her children Charles (Gemma) Howze of Omaha, NE, Reginald Howze of Coffeeville, AL, Janet Elaine (Bernard) Brown of Clinton, MD, Sheila Howze of Waterloo, Steven Howze of Ft. Worth, TX, and Rod (Tameca) Howze of Newton, IA; 19 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren; a sister Melva Dean of Mobile, AL; special family friends, Rhonda Hodges, and Karen Moore, both of Waterloo; and many other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her son Gregory Howze; a grandson, Rod Howze, Jr.; granddaughter Katie Corynne; great grandchildren, Gabriel Carter and Maleeya Love; sisters, Minnie Smith, Ollie Cox, Lula Turner and Dean Calhoun; and brothers, Nathan, Condie, Cleveland and Wesley Smith.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at Payne AME Church Mobile St. Waterloo, with burial to follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Waterloo. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, from 5-7 PM with a formal time of sharing stories at 6:00 PM. As a show of sympathy, the family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Bertha's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org). Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com. Locke at Tower Park is assisting the family.