Bertha Nell Strock Little

Bertha Nell (Strock) Little, 89, of Conyers, Georgia, passed away on February 24, 2026, leaving behind a family she spent a lifetime shaping with patience, intellect, and a grace that never called attention to itself. Born December 17, 1936, in White City, Alabama, to Houston Manley Strock, a farmer, and Thelma Virginia (Thomas) Strock, a schoolteacher, Bertha came by her faith, her work ethic, and her love of learning honestly. She was a woman of deep conviction who, before she ever stood in a classroom of her own, answered a call to mission service, serving Spanish-speaking communities in Arizona and Southern California. That spirit of service never left her. She earned a B.A. in Education from the University of Montevallo and a Master of Education from Mercer University in 1965, then devoted herself to the students of Towers High School. There she taught social studies, gifted classes, Georgia history, civics, and street law. She had a rare gift for meeting students exactly where they were, honoring their backgrounds and circumstances with genuine respect, and giving every one of them her best, whether they returned it or not. She retired from DeKalb County Schools in 1989, then continued as Director of Education for Sylvan Learning Center. Her devotion to education extended into her own home, where she played an instrumental role in the schooling of her grandchildren. Teaching was not simply something Bertha did. It was who she was. She loved books, travel, bridge, gardening, photography, dominoes, and card games. Scrabble and crosswords filled many hours on the family cruises she treasured, and her love of travel ran deep enough that she was just as happy setting off to see the world on her own. She followed the Braves faithfully, kept a pristine manicure, and never left the house without spearmint gum. She was as comfortable at a fine dinner as she was with a McDonald's fish sandwich and a Wendy's Frosty, and that ease was part of her gift. She made every person around her feel at home. She was still driving and living independently at 89, a fact that surprised no one who knew her. Her soft Alabama accent, quick mind, and steady kindness made her both a teacher and a refuge to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She was a true lady in the oldest and best sense of the word, never returning wrong for wrong or harsh word for harsh word, and always carrying herself with dignity and grace. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Little of Covington, Georgia; grandchildren Victoria Tackett (Kolby) of Sorrento, Florida, and Alexandria Little of Covington, Georgia; great-grandchildren Sadie and Tate Tackett of Sorrento, Florida; and her beloved sister, Mary Ruth Thornton of Prattville, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband, John B. Little Jr., with whom she shared much of her life; her infant daughter, Virginia Little; and her brother, Manley Strock. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, followed immediately by a memorial service at 3:00 PM, at Scot Ward's Memorial Chapel, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012. The service will be officiated by Jeff Johnson, minister of North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellville, Alabama, formerly of Conyers Church of Christ, and by Pastor Michael Hutcheson of Conyers First Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Bertha's memory to two causes that reflect who she was: the Fieldstone Pawn Cares Community Blessing Box, a family-run outreach serving neighbors in need (c/o Fieldstone Jewelry & Pawn, 2315 Iris Dr SE, Conyers, GA 30013), or the NPA Scholarship Fund, established to support the next generation of learners (nationalpawnbrokersassociation.growthzoneapp.com). Condolences and memories may be shared at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

Bertha Nell Strock Little

December 17, 1936 - February 24, 2026