Berthina Fykes Lawson was born June 15, 1941 in Robertson County, Tennessee to the late John Wiley Fykes and the late Goldie Garrett Fykes. She was the 5th born of 9 children. Berthina departed this life on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Emerald Health Care Facility.

Berthina was educated in the Robertson County School System in Tennessee. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the Church go God (South Nashville, TN).

In 1980 Berthina moved to Belle Glade, Florida and gained employment with the City of Belle Glade Housing Authority. After serving in many different capacities she retired from the Housing Authority with over 25 years of service. Berthina also became a member of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Leon Camel Jr. during 1980.  She worked faithfully in several auxiliaries to include Mission, Heavens Breadbasket, Sunday School and Deaconess. Berthina continued her dedication to her church responsibilities under the present Pastor, Lionel F. Camel until her health would no longer allow her to do so.

Berthina was married the the late James R. West and to this union, 2 children were born. James West Jr. and Jacqueline E. West. Berthina later met and married George Lawson.

Berthina was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was preceded in death by her brothers Harvey Gene Fykes, William Fykes, John Thomas Fykes, Robert Ewing Fykes; sisters, Gerdie Mae Hatcher, and Betty Jean Fykes Johnson.

Berthina leaves to cherish her memory a devoted husband George Lawson; sons: James West Jr. (Alma) Zarak Lawson (Karen), George Lawson; daughters: Jacqueline E. Lee (Richard), Zenita Obianwu; 2 sisters: Martha Winrow, Nancy Hill (John); 4 sister-in-laws: Hazel Lawson, Mary Foster, Ana Boddie, Cynthia Cosby; one brother-in-law: Herman Lawson (Betty); 7 grandchildren: Andre, Tiffany, Rashonda (Marlon), Sharonda (Willie), Alex (Johneshia), Stephen (Crystal), and Brandon; 10 great grandchildren: her godson: Rickey Butts and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.