Bertha Bell (O'Brien) Robinson

Bertha Bell Robinson, 85, of Hurst, passed away Friday, May 16, 2025, at Manor Court in Carbondale.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, with Rev. Travis Lipe and Pastor Linda Godfrey, both close family friends, officiating. Burial will be in Blairsville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Bertha was born on June 6, a birthdate she shared with her (2 years) older sister, Barbara, to William Virgil O’Brien Sr. and Violet Mae (McCree) O’Brien. She married the love of her life, Paul Leon Robinson on November 29, 1958, at Bush Pentecostal Church. He preceded her in death on January 12, 2020.

She is survived by her beloved son, PJ (Donna) Robinson; grandsons, Corley Paul James (Breanna) Robinson, Dallon Jay Robinson, and Brandt Hampton Robinson; brother, Edward Lee (Kim) O’Brien; sister, Barbara J. Holland; brother-in-law, Ray (Connie) Robinson; and many nieces and nephews.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leon; sisters, Betty Ruth Roberts and Rose Stout; and brother, William “Buddy” Virgil O’Brien Jr.

Before welcoming her beloved son PJ into the world, Bertha spent the early years of her marriage working full-time in downtown Chicago. With the arrival of her son, she gracefully stepped away from her professional career to embrace her most treasured role—that of a devoted stay-at-home mother and homemaker. She poured her heart into raising PJ and took immense joy in every moment of motherhood.

As PJ grew older and began a family of his own, Bertha’s most cherished title became “Mama” to her three adored grandsons—Corley, Dallon, and Brandt. She found deep fulfillment in caring for her husband, her family, and her home, always placing their needs above her own with quiet strength and unwavering love.

A lifelong fan of Elvis Presley, Bertha could always be found riding alongside Leon with Elvis playing proudly on the XM radio. She also held a deep love for the timeless songs of the church. Together, she and Leon served faithfully in many roles, including as Sunday school teachers and youth leaders, touching the lives of countless young people through their ministry.

In recent years, Bertha found special joy in the music shared by her oldest grandson, whose talent for worship through the piano filled her heart with pride. When attending church in person was no longer possible, she faithfully joined worship services via livestream, continuing her devotion in the quiet sanctuary of her home.

Bertha's life was defined by love—love for her family, her faith, and the joy found in everyday moments. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the family she loved and nurtured.

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