From Don Brewington: Celebrating Bertha Sadler Means

Dear HT FRamily,

It is with much sadness and yet with much joy that I share that today at 12 noon, one of HT’s premier alums took wings and flew home at the wonderful age of 100. Mrs. Bertha Sadler Means, is indeed a legend in the Austin community. There is already an article about her in the Austin American Statesman, so I won’t rehash what you can read in the Statesman, but I do want to share just a bit about her from a personal perspective.

I met Mrs. Means about six months to a year after my arrival here at HT; she was elegant, well poised, articulate and very much in control, yet warm, welcoming and in her own way quite jubilant. Mrs. Bertha Means loved HT and was quite instrumental in recruiting international students for the university. She would provide housing, often allowing students to stay with her in her home until they got settled and would then allow them to reside with her over the long Christmas Holidays.

The Means were a family of ‘means’, her husband had been a former instructor here at the university, in-fact she was a student of his prior to them getting married. They owned the Austin Cab Company and several properties in East Austin. After many conversations she once said to me that if she could ever be of help, don’t hesitate to contact her. For me that was an open door, and I walked in many times.

There was one occasion when I was ministering (counseling) with a student who was homeless and could sometimes be a challenge on campus. I called Mrs. Means and shared with her my desire to help the student and asked if she could assist, she graciously and readily consented and made one of her rental properties available and at no cost. If you know me, when you let me in, I will be back. About a year or so later I had to make another request and she made herself available. In-fact I can’t think of a time when she ever told me no, nor did she ever have to think about it. She was always gracious and kind, and while she had no problem standing her ground, I am blessed to have been a recipient of her words, “Reverend, I wouldn’t ordinarily do this, but since it’s you asking, I’m going to make an exception”, and then she would give me a list of do’s and don’ts for the occupant.

As she aged, she stayed busy; when she was about 90, I needed a favor from Ms. Bertha Means, I called her, and her daughter said, “Reverend, I don’t know where mamma is, but she’s got her phone with her and when she gets time, she will call you”. Indeed, a phenomenal woman she was!

Mrs. Bertha Means was a shrewd businesswoman, a committed friend, kindhearted,  gracious, smart, elegant, spiritual, and I could list a host of additional adjectives to describe her. Yet, I will always remember her for her love for Huston-Tillotson University. HT truly has produced some remarkable graduates. Former students who have been solid contributors to society, people who give back to their communities, and people who leave their mark in this world, Mrs. Bertha Sadler Means was one of those students, and I am so very thankful for the opportunity to have known her and have her as a part of my life.

To Bertha Sadler Means, Huston-Tillotson College (University) graduate, you have fought the good fight, you stayed in the race for 100 years, God determined that on this day it was time for you to come home, He placed wings on your shoulders and summoned you, now rest well with the Angels. You will be missed!

In Union Strength,

Donald E. Brewington, University Chaplain
Huston-Tillotson University