Bertha Samuel (Miles) Pollard

Bertha Samuel Miles-Pollard was born on September 21, 1944, to the late Haywood and Roxcella Miles, in Bennettsville, South Carolina. She accepted the Lord at a young age and was baptized at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Southern Pines, North Carolina. She graduated from West Southern Pines High School in 1962 and moved to Pittsburgh to live with her sister, Queen E. Johnson.

Bertha worked at Magee Women's Hospital until 1966, when she married Richard Pollard. Two sons, Edward and Richard Jr., were born to their union. After the birth of their son, Edward, she returned to work in the Central Sterile Department of Presbyterian Hospital, where she worked for (15) fifteen years. She also worked part-time for the Food Service Department at Woodland Hills High School before she finally retired for good. 

In 1966, Bertha joined the Union Baptist Church of Swissvale under the pastorate of the late Rev. Herbert Wilkerson. She became a Deaconess in 1976, under his leadership. In 2005, Bertha became the Chairman of the Deacon Ministry.

Bertha loved to bowl, plant flowers, and care for others. Her passion was managing the Union Baptist Church Food Pantry, a position she held until God called her home.

Bertha also participated in other ministries including, church funeral coordinator, Visitation Ministry, Senior Ministry, Kitchen Fellowship Ministry, Bowling Ministry, Benevolence Ministry, UBC Assistant Administrator, Monday Night Bible Study, Vacation Bible School, Summer Food Program, and Pastoral Search Committee. Bertha was honored to serve where she was needed.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, six sisters, and six brothers. She leaves to cherish her memory: Two sons-Richard E. Pollard (Gretta), Edward E. Pollard (Sandra); grandson, Joshua Echols Pollard, great-grandsons-Sir Michael Ragland and Joshua Pollard Jr., Sisters-Margaret Stephens (N. Carolina) and Annie B. Smith (North Carolina); Special Niece who she helped to raise-Sheocka Stephens (California), and a host of nieces, nephews, family members, and friends who loved and adored Deacon Bertha. 

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