Bertha Ree Sykes Green Charleston was born in Fryers Paint, Mississippi on October 25, 1952, to the late Estelle Sykes and the late Richard Sykes.

She was preceded in death by Johnny Sykes, Millie Sykes, and Larry Sykes.

Bertha passed away on May 9, 2023, at her daughter's home peacefully in her bed. She confessed her love in Christ in 1984 in Marion, IL. She attended John A. Logan College and worked in the community in Marion, IL. She grew up in Hayti, MO.  She joined Cedar Street Missionary Baptist Church and attended whenever her health allowed. To know her was to love her. Her passion was cooking, taking care of her grandchildren, and fishing. Bertha Ree Sykes Green Charleston was the queen of her family. She always had a smile and kind words for anyone. Family was everything to her. Her home was a place you could go for food, a place to stay and eat her famous crackling cornbread. Her door was open to anyone. Her kids, grandkids, family, and friends meant the world to her. Bertha will truly be missed and remembered mostly for her kindness, free spirit, and her smile. And, for her laughter and unconditional love for her family and grandchildren.

She leaves the following behind to cherish her memory: 5 children: Denise (C.L. Byrd) Wells of Hayti, MO., Lawrence (Cynthia) Green of Kennett, MO., Don (Hunter) Green, and Antonio (Debra) Green both of Springfield, MO. and John (Benita) Green of Hayti, MO. 3 brothers: Steve Braxton of Cape Girardeau, MO., Richard Sykes of Malden, MO., and Johnny Spain of Indianapolis, a sister: Trena Spain of Columbia, Mo., grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and a special friend in death the late Mr. Frank Childress.

Funeral services were held May 20, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Cedar Street Missionary Baptist Church in Hayti, MO. with Pastor Darion Thomas officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Hayti, MO. Pallbearers were Deondre Williams, Don Green Jr., Deon Green, John Green Jr., Lawrence Green, Jaquarias Jones, Quashawn Brady, and Corneilus Green. Honorary Pallbearers were Ricky Sykes, Ivory Winters, Steve Winters, Jeffery Brady, Nicholas Moore, Tony Hayes, C.L. Byrd, Michael Winters, Roosevelt Hudson, and Benny Childress.

John W. German Funeral Home of Hayti oversaw arrangements.