Bertha Lee Chism

Today we celebrate the life of Mother Bertha L. Chism.  Mother Chism, affectionately known and called by so many as “Lil Mama”, was born on April 1, 1927 to George Dewey and Viola West in Mound City, IL.

Mother Chism was joined in marriage to Charley “Buddy” Nickerson on September 22, 1943, and to this union two children were born, Regina Maxine and John Charles.  Later on in life she married Louis Chism, Jr., who preceded her in death.  They were married for 30 years.

Mother Chism was employed by David and June Barton in Catron, MO as a Housekeeper. She worked for their family for 53 years and she loved her job.

Mother Chism loved First Baptist Church of Catron.  She accepted Christ and was baptized there at the age of 12 years old.  She spent her life committed to her church.  She loved God, her Pastor and First Lady and her church family deeply.  She was an avid poem reader, and most Sundays she would recite one of her favorite poems.  She served faithfully on the Mother’s Board as a praying mother.  She also served as Assistant Superintendent of the Sunday School. She was First Baptist’s eldest member and took pride in being a part of the church being built.

Mother Chism spent the last 11 years at Clearview Nursing Center in Sikeston, MO where she was known as the “Queen of Clearview,” partly because her room was always full of fresh flowers.  She touched many lives while she was there spiritually, which included residents as well as staff.  She loved people and was a blessing to so many over the years.  She will definitely be missed.  Many will remember her saying “if you don’t want to know the truth, don’t ask,” and “if you don’t ask, you don’t get.”  In her free time she would tune in to her soap operas and relax and enjoy her day.  She loved reading her bible and other spiritual publications. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends that stopped by to visit her.  She held a special place in her heart for the entire Daniel family and members of the Barton family; Tina Wilson, Kimberly Pursley and David Powell, who she referred to as her “other grandchildren.”

Mother Chism leaves to cherish her memories; one daughter, Regina Martin of Chicago, IL;  2 granddaughters, Sharisse (Leon) Woods of Sauk Village, IL, Chantina Nickerson of Mobile, AL; 4 great grandchildren, Don Nickerson, Shareáe McKinney, Cameron Hunter, and Noel Woods; 4 great-great grandchildren, Isrielle White, Cameron Hunter, Ian Nickerson and Carlee Hunter; 2 sisters, Barbara Ann (Fontaine) Winston of South Holland, IL and Lorraine Wheeler of Flint, MI; one brother, Leon (Hattie) West of Sikeston, MO; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mother Chism was preceded in death by her father, mother, stepmother (Alice West), and her son, John Charles; 8 brothers, James West, Claude West, Lee Otis West, Frank West, David West, Otis West, Nathaniel West and Dewey West, Jr.; 2 sisters, Lurlean Robinson and Betty McKinney.

Friends may call Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. until the funeral hour of 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church of Catron in Catron, Missouri with Pastor Richard Houston officiating.  Interment will immediately follow in Simmons Park Cemetery in Catron with the Williams Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.