Bertha Viola Drake

Sanford, FL - Ms. Bertha Viola Drake, age 83, died peacefully on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at the Anson County Hospital in Wadesboro, NC. The day she passed, she and her son, Gary, had driven from Florida to Wadesboro for the 56th Newton-Tarlton Family Reunion scheduled for Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Olivet United Methodist Church. Bertha always looked forward to coming and spending time here as the family would gather and stay together for an extended weekend of fun and fellowship. It was during her marriage to Woodrow Tarlton from Anson County, that she made her family connections as well as some life-long friendships here in the Wadesboro community. Bertha was born in Seminole County, FL, on September 25, 1933. She was one of fourteen brothers and sisters, being the second child, second born daughter of the late Othella Ernestine Boyd and William Everette Fryer. She was especially proud of her heritage and ancestry. Her great grandmother was part of the Cherokee Nation that walked and survived the Trail of Tears. Family was always important to her. She loved having them surround her all the time. No matter what time of the day or night you showed up at her home, she was always ready to provide you with a home cooked sit down meal. Some of her specialties that will be long remembered and talked about were her rum cake; jalapeno pepper jelly and her mother in laws (Susie Tarltons) homemade macaroni and cheese recipe. She was a true Floridian and enjoyed her lifestyle there where she lived with her two sons, Gary and Bobby. Her daughter Peggy lived across the street from her and her son Danny lived behind her. It was like her own little compound in a big city. Once she was retired from her custodial supervisory position at Seminole Community College she was able to pursue her traveling predominantly to Costa Rica as often as possible. Survivors include her children, Danny Tarlton (Marty); Peggy Hickey (Tunes); Gary Tarlton; Bobby Brown; and her daughter- in- law, Tina Tarlton; 12 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her brothers Bill, Henry, Mike, Martin and Donald and sisters, Libby, JoAnn, and Juanita along with numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved son, Ricky Tarlton in 2007; and five of her brothers and sisters: Tina, John, Helen, Marie and Fran along with her husbands Woodrow Tarlton Samuel Brown, and James Drake. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date at her home in Sanford, FL. The family has asked that no memorials be sent to their home but you can make a donation to the charity of your choice. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Leavitt Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.leavittfh.com. No service information has been added.