Oftentimes when one hears the word “grace” it resonates as abstract, or more of an ideal.
Many would ascertain the now centenarian Bertha Lee Ross-Deshazer, however, is grace personified, especially her beloved family.
Having turned 100 years old this past Saturday, Deshazer said the secret to longevity is simply, “The grace of God and hard work.”
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” from Matthew 5:8, are words Deshazer has and continues to live by.
She has seen this world and this country at what would be considered its best and worst.
As a young girl from Rolling Fork, she and her family were a part of The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 in Sharkey County.
Along with her mother, she and other family members sought refuge in boxcars on the railroad tracks.
Her dad and other men spent months helping to rescue other families and assisting with home repairs.
It’s almost as if history repeated itself when considering the recent flooding in that same region.
Deshazer knew valleys, but she certainly knows peaks as she and late husband Anzie Deshazer Sr. who were married in 1939, raised 11 children.
What did the two share aside from their affection for one another?
Their impassioned desire to better their lives together, thus, uniting in holy matrimony.
Deshazer said she attended school in Sharkey County up to eighth grade and later attended the Hollandale School District Night School, graduating in 1960.
Daughter and caretaker Patricia Redmond said, “To this day, she is an avid sports fan and has a true passion for the game of basketball. Her love for the game dates back to her early childhood days when she played the game of “sandlot” as a child.”
In 1965, Deshazer worked for Washington County Opportunity Head Start, Inc.
During her tenure, she received training at Texas Southern University, Mississippi Valley State University and later received an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Coahoma Community College.
Deshazer’s role as an educator is well documented and highly regarded in the Hollandale community as she has helped to mold and shape the lives of many children.
She has had children and grandchildren alike to follow in her footsteps.
Her devotion to her community and engagement spans 38 years and shone through her serving as the Hollandale School District PTA president and vying for the position of Board of Alderman of the City of Hollandale.
Deshazer was equally devoted to her service as a Christian — she is a lifelong member of Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church in Hollandale where she served as Sunday School teacher and president of the Usher’s ministry.
Redmond highlighted that her mother played a vital role in establishing the Community Usher Board where she served as the first president as well.
“I truly thank God for the longevity of my life!” a grateful Deshazer said.
When asked about an amazing event in her life, she responded, “The graduation and success of all of my children.”
Her love for the community of Hollandale runs deep as well as her passion for serving and helping others.
“I have served in a number of positions. My greatest joy was teaching head start for 38 years, serving as church usher, teaching Sunday school, serving on the community usher board and taking care of my family. I’m thanking God every day for allowing me to live this long,” Deshazer added.
Certain circumstances prevented Deshazer’s family from giving her the celebration she so tremendously deserves.
Redmond said the family’s original plan was to host a parade which was to include other relatives, long-time friends and church members and local organizations eager to pay homage to the Deshazer family matriarch.
Although it did not go as planned, Deshazer’s family was still able to shower her with love and a beautiful celebratory yard display in honor of her milestone.
However, in honor of Deshazer’s 100th, the City of Hollandale Mayor Charlie Morrow plans to present Deshazer with the “Key to the City” at a date.
