Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 21, 2021

Bertie Armour Sterling passed into eternal peace on June 21, 2021 after 103 years of a long and wonderful life. Born in Davidson, NC on March 25, 1918, to Eunice and Holt Armour, Bertie was the fifth of six children, all of whom predeceased her.

She moved to Charlotte at an early age, and it was there that she met her husband, Richard (Dick) McChesney Sterling (d. 2009). Together, they raised three children: Richard M. Sterling Jr, (d. 2005), Pamela Sterling Kelly (Tom), and Robert Martin Sterling (Jo).  In addition to Pam and Rob, Bertie is also survived by her grandchildren, Bradley Sterling (Liz), Courtney Sterling Schrum (Ramsay), and Roddey Sterling (Ronnie Prassas), and by her great-grandchildren: Ramsay Schrum, Jr. and Sterling Schrum. A third great-grandchild, Logan Sterling, will be born in August.

Growing up, Bertie was captain of her basketball team at Alexander Graham Junior High and played the violin in the orchestra at Central High School. She had a good ear for music and, although she never took piano lessons, she taught herself to play by ear, a talent that brought her great pleasure throughout her life and joy to those who gathered to listen. At the age of 102, she was still able to play her favorite tune, “Five Foot Two, Eyes of Blue.”

At Central High School, Bertie served as historian of the graduating class of 1935. Following graduation, she earned a diploma from Dickinson Secretarial School, then joined the work force. One of her favorite jobs was working at the Carolina Motor Club, where she was invited to model for several of their print ads.

Bertie married Dick in 1940, and when he was drafted into the Air Force, she went with him, finding secretarial work at the various locations where he was stationed in the southeast United States. After he was discharged, they settled in Charlotte, and Bertie put her organizational skills to work as a homemaker and mother.

As a charter member of Charlotte’s First United Methodist Church, Bertie was active for many years in the United Methodist’s Women’s group. With a knack for numbers, she served as treasurer and enjoyed hosting circle meetings in her home. In addition to volunteering at her church, Bertie also served as a reading tutor at several CMS elementary schools and was active in her children’s school PTA.

Bertie was a true Southern lady, for whom family was always her number one priority and her ultimate joy in life. Birthdays and holidays were always special occasions, especially Christmas, where Santa continued to visit year after year, even after the children and grandchildren were grown. Even into their early 90s, Bertie and Dick enjoyed decorating their Christmas tree, filling stockings for the children and grandchildren, and hosting the traditional family Christmas meal at their home.

Although faced with health challenges during the final years of her life, Bertie never lost her sense of humor and ability to make others laugh. “I’ve lived a wonderful life, she said. I wish I could put it in a jar and give it to you.”.

A private service was held at Forest Lawn West in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

Miss Bertie modeled for the 1940 advertisement, published in the Charlotte Observer.