1939-2024
Mrs. Girtha Leona Adway was born on June 6, 1939, to Lottie Mae Scales and James Parker in Gethsemane, a small, close-knit community just outside Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Even as a child, her distinct and powerful voice naturally commanded attention and respect within the community.
At eleven years old, she was baptized in Plum Bayou in Sherrill, Arkansas.
Girtha began her educational journey at Sherrill-Rosenwald School, where she established a strong foundation and cultivated a profound appreciation for learning. Her dedication and perseverance culminated in her graduation from Altheimer High School, a milestone that signified the beginning of her pursuit of higher education. Girtha further broadened her academic horizons by enrolling at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (formerly known as AM&N), where she majored in nursing.
Girtha was united in holy matrimony with Eddie Adway, and together they joined Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Sherrill, Arkansas, under the leadership of Reverend J.Y. Williams, Sr. Girtha was an active member, serving on the women's auxiliary board and the fellowship hall committee. After more than 33 years of marriage, Girtha and Eddie parted ways, but they remained friends until his passing. In 2016, Girtha transferred her membership to Old Saint James Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a member until her passing. She was involved in the Women's Ministry and regularly attended Sunday School.
Girtha served as Ferd Bellingrath’s caregiver, whose family founded Coca-Cola Bottling Company of South Arkansas. This experience profoundly impacted her and greatly enhanced her caregiving skills. Girtha’s commitment to caregiving and helping others allowed Mr. Bellingrath to fulfill his wish to remain in his home rather than move to a nursing facility.
Girtha subsequently returned to school to become a certified nursing assistant and trained as a hospice care specialist. In 1989, she officially launched her own caregiving service. Over the years, she expanded her business by hiring numerous healthcare workers to assist elderly patients and those with various health challenges.
Girtha traveled globally to provide personal care and support to her clients in need. Her outreach extended to London, Paris, Switzerland, and across the United States. Her unwavering commitment to compassionate care earned her a stellar reputation in the community. She dedicated herself to this work for over 60 years.
While working as a caregiver, Girtha also launched a catering business called Girtha’s Catering, which quickly attracted many prestigious clients. Her ability to balance caregiving with her catering endeavors highlighted her versatility and determination. For over 40 years, she skillfully managed both enterprises, earning widespread respect and admiration in the community. Eventually, she closed her catering business due to her advancing age. Although she excelled in preparing many dishes, she was particularly renowned for her desserts, especially her jelly and loaf pound cakes—affectionately known by her family as “good, heavy cakes.”
Girtha frequently showed her love for people through her vibrant personality, she always aimed to ensure everyone had a great time. She was known for her laughter, engaging conversations, and a genuine enjoyment of playing cards, which brought joy to those around her.
Throughout the years, Girtha was deeply involved in various organizations, including the Royal Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and the Pine Bluff Singing Center, where she held numerous roles. She also participated in many choir performances during several Women’s Day Celebrations in the surrounding area.
Her commitment to service extended well beyond her personal businesses; she served as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and found great pleasure in working as a Bell Ringer during the holiday season. Her unwavering dedication and wholehearted approach to all her endeavors earned her the esteemed recognition as one of the “Hidden Figures” in the Pine Bluff community, an accolade she deeply valued. Over the years, when a few of her close friends decided to seek elected offices, Girtha hit the ground running by actively campaigning and requesting donations—a task she thoroughly enjoyed.
Shortly after 12:00 p.m. on August 9, 2024, Girtha peacefully gained her wings, surrounded by family and friends. Although she had no children of her own, she served as a godmother or second mother to countless individuals. Her voice made everyone feel as though they were speaking to their own mother, and her family was continually amazed by her ability to play such a significant role in so many lives.
In addition to her parents, Girtha was preceded in death by her grandfather, grandmother, and four siblings: Cleophus, Leroy, Leonard Charles, and Irene. She is survived by one brother, Altha (Juanita) Bryant of Altheimer, Arkansas; two sisters, Betty Brewer of England, Arkansas, and Joan (John) James of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and two cherished nieces, Dana Woolfolk of Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Monica (Steve) Ficklin of Prosper, Texas. She is also survived by a host of additional nieces, nephews, cousins, and esteemed friends who will forever treasure her memory.
Visitation 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, August 16, 2024, at Brown Funeral Home Pine Bluff, AR.
Funeral Service 2:30 p.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church Pine Bluff, AR by Pastor David Smith. Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state from 1:45 p.m. until service time.
Obituary submitted by The Family.
