Bertha Mae was born on October 22, 1915 to the late Walter Givhan and Loudella Haney Givhan in Pontotoc, Mississippi. She was the fifth of twelve children.

At an early age she confessed a hope in Christ at College Hill CME Church in Mississippi.

Bertha Mae was educated in the Mississippi public school system. She had aspirations of becoming a cosmetologist and later graduated from Beauty Culture School.

Bertha Mae married Albert Williams, Sr. and to this union four sons were born: Arthur, Albert Jr., Wardell Sr. and James. Later she married the late Rev. Fred H. Oliver. She was preceded in death by all of them.

Bertha Mae grew in a deeper relationship with God after leaving Mississippi and joined Parks Chapel A.M.E. in Centreville, IL under the Rev. Calvin Benefield. In 1960, she joined Bethel A.M.E. Church in Madison, Illinois. She found it spiritually rewarding to be actively involved in church. In 1990, she became a life long member of the Missionary Society. In 2009, she was ordained a deaconess under Bishop R. Bryant. Bertha Mae also enjoyed working on Stewardess Board and with the Young People's Division. Her all time favorite hymn is, "I've Seen the Lightning Flashing".

Bertha Mae retired from Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

She leaves to cherish her memory 7 grandchildren, Francell Williams, Karen Ewing, Selwyn Williams, Sr., Wendell Williams, Wardell Williams, Jr., Michael Williams, Sr. and Dexter Palmer; 16 great grandchildren; 17 great-great grandchildren; 3 great-great-great grandchildren; 1 sister, Lois Nash; 1 brother, Robert Givhan; 2 daughters-in-law, Lillian E. Williams and Joy Williams; 1 sister-in-law, Hattie Pearl Givhan; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.