On Tuesday, Bertha Sadler Means, one of our founders and, for many years, St. James’ remaining living founder, went on to larger life. In her living and in her dying, Mrs. Means has been a model of Christian joy, generosity of spirit, and fortitude and resistance in the face of powers that would seek to divide us.
If you want to be inspired by a life well-lived, you have only to read the words recounting Mrs. Means’ lifelong work as an activist, a business woman, an inspiring role model and second mother to many, many young people, and a faithful mission-driven Christian here and here. A great deal more ink has been spilled to recount her many accomplishments as a change-making force in the city of Austin and beyond. We will be telling the stories, singing the songs, and dancing in her honor for much time to come.
The family welcomes letters of condolence and, more than that, specific stories or memories of Mrs. Means. You can mail these to 7400 Valburn Dr, Austin, 78731. We’d also love it if you’d send stories to the church office (office@stjamesaustin.org or 1941 Webberville, 78721).
Visitation at King-Tears Mortuary will take place on Friday, March 26.
Public visitation will take place from 4-7 pm. Please be masked and maintain respectful distances from others, always taking their comfort levels into consideration.
On Saturday, March 27, we will hold a celebration of Bertha Sadler Means’ life at St. James’ Episcopal Church at 1 pm for the extended family. This in-person service is by invitation because of COVID-related limitations. However, it will be filmed and later posted online at https://stjamesaustin.org/worship-online/.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Huston-Tillotson University.
