Bertha Arnett VanSlyke

Mrs. Bertha VanSlyke, age 91 of Warthen, Georgia, passed away at her residence on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. A graveside memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Monday, August 17th at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery on Hamburg State Park Road. Reverend Willie Marion and Reverend Lee Lacey will officiate.

Bertha Marie Arnett was born and reared in Bloomington, Indianna where she graduated salutatorian of Bloomington High School. She married soon after high school to the love of her life, Clarence VanSlyke. Her working career began as a phone operator, until she chose to give that up to raise her family. For many years Bertha and Clarence owned and operated the Hearth Shop, which later became VanSlyke Country Store. Later they created VanSlyke Real Estate Company, in which they owned and operated until retiring at 88 years of age. Bertha and Clarence were avid travelers, reaching all 48 lower states and 73 countries. As a favorite hobby, she amassed a large collection of dolls. In 2024 she relocated to Washington County, Georgia to be near family. Bertha was a devout Christian and member of several churches in Indianna including one that she helped start. She never met a stranger and while living in Georgia attended New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, as well as First Baptist Church of Sandersville. Mrs. VanSlyke is predeceased by her parents, Ernest Arnett and Goldie Frakes Arnett and her daughter Charlene VanSlyke.

Survivors include her husband of 73 years, Clarence R. VanSlyke of Warthen, GA.; sons, Timothy Rae VanSlyke and his wife Diana of Camby IN., and Taber VanSlyke and his wife Belinda also of Warthen; nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Please leave an online condolence at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com

May and Smith Funeral Directors of Sandersville is in charge of these arrangements.