Mrs. Bertha Ellen Lively Jenkins Garnett "GaGa"

February 13, 1926 - April 16, 2020

Bertha Ellen Lively Jenkins Garnett "GaGa" was born on February 13, 1926, in Harrisburg, PA, to her parents, Edna Holland Lively and Paul Dixon, Sr. After Bertha's mother passed away, she and her little sister were raised by John and Mary Jenkins. Bertha was educated at the former Fothergill School in Steelton, PA. Bertha was a former member of The First Baptist Church of Steelton. After the death of her only son Reuben, Jr. who was killed in Vietnam, she became a member of the American Gold Star Mothers. Bertha's previous employment was with the Bayuk Factory (cigar factory) in Steelton. She retired from the Olmsted Air Force Base in Middletown, PA, and a while later, she worked part-time at the Hilmar Place. When Bertha's children were very young, Bertha participated with the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) and assisted with the Brownies Troop. Bertha enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, doing jigsaw and crossword puzzles, baking which included a "to-die-for" apple pie. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and was affectionately called “GaGa” by her grandchildren. On April 16, 2020, God sent for Bertha to come home to be one of his angels and to join her loved ones and friends. In addition to her parents and adoptive parents, Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben L. Garnett, Sr.; son, Reuben L. Garnett, Jr.; sisters, Gloria Lively Jenkins and Rose Dixon Sutton; brother, Paul Dixon, Jr.; great-grandson, Cortney Jackson; and great-granddaughter, Darraugh Jackson. Bertha leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Rev. India Elaine Garnett of Dauphin, PA; Lise Garnett of Steelton, PA; Janine Garnett and Tracie Garnett of Harrisburg, PA, and her daughter-in-love, Alyce Wooten of Steelton, PA; brother-in-law, Charles Sutton of Gadsden, AL ; 12 grandchildren, Johnny "Herc" Bracken, Jr. of Atlanta, GA, Franklin “Frank” Jackson, Jr. of Harrisburg PA, Samoya Bracken-Brunelle of Dauphin, PA, Lance "Big L" Harper of Harrisburg, PA, Angela Jackson-Sykes of Steelton, PA, LaKeisha Garnett of Harrisburg, PA, Emily Jackson of Dauphin, PA, Eric "Ricky" Jackson of the Bronx, NY, Matthew "Matt" Diggs of Pittsburgh, PA, David "DJ" Diggs (Alexia) of Leola, PA, Darmel Thomas of Harrisburg, PA, Aaliyah Braddy of Harrisburg, PA; 32 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Lovingly Submitted - The Family MEMORIAL CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD AT A LATER DATE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE FAMILY.