"From riches to rags, Bertie chronicles the struggles and abuse she and her siblings experienced following the sudden death of their father. Born in 1928, in a coal camp in southern West Virginia, she unveils the secrets of their past and the scars that remain from the brutality of a mother whose unbridled anger was directed toward them. The events in this Depression era setting will reveal how her father was instrumental in bringing the Union to the coal fields and their secret meetings, and his rise to prominence, having served as the first elected President of the local union. She reveals the character of a man who instilled greatness in his children, and how his death impacted their lives. At the age of 92, Bertie opens the pages of time to divulge the pain of suppressed events and the lasting effects it had on their lives. She also acknowledges those who were instrumental in bringing hope and stability to their lives. Her life is a daunting account of survival, and perserverance that reveals how the love and support of her siblings brought them through the difficult and challenging times they endured. The mother of seven children, Bertie has worked since the age of 12. She retired after exhibiting her skills as a trainer for tailors at Silver Brand Clothes, an exclusive men's clothing store in Logan, WV for 23 years. She also worked as a salesclerk there. In addition, she held the position of treasurer for the Walnut Grove Free Will Baptist Church Sunday School at Chauncey for 55 years. She was honored to be chosen to represent Logan County throughout the state when she reigned as the 1999-2000 Logan County Belle." -- from container