Promoted to Glory: Major Bertha Worthy
Major Bertha Worthy was Promoted to Glory from her home in Charlotte, NC on Thursday, May 16, 2024. She was 86.
Bertha Edna Dacres was born on May 13, 1938, in Fayston, VT, to Edward and Mary Dacres. She was the fourth of six children.
At age three, the course of Bertha’s life changed forever with a knock on the family’s door by Adjutant Edward Russell, who offered to drive all six children to the Burlington Corps for Sunday School and Holiness Meeting. Every Sunday from then on, the adjutant picked the Dacres children up until Edward and Mary began attending the corps as well.
Bertha was saved at age six during a youth meeting. She remembered going forward to the altar and knowing that the Lord Jesus is real, that He would be the leader of her life, and that she would “have a friend forever” in Him. At age 15, while at a youth councils in Portland, ME, Bertha was called to become a Salvation Army officer.
In 1951, Captains Elmer and Lillian Worthy became Bertha’s corps officers, bringing with them their children—one of whom was their son, James (Jim) Worthy. Jim and Bertha continued their friendship even after his parents were farewelled to Pittsburgh. They began dating in their 20s and were married on October 19, 1963.
For ten years, the couple worked (Jim as a reporter, Bertha as a nurse) and began raising their two children. Meanwhile, Bertha quietly believed that God had not revoked her call to officership and prayed that Jim would one day hear that call. Finally in June 1973, her prayers were answered when God powerfully called Jim to a lifetime of service. They entered the Training College in 1974 as members of the Overcomers session of cadets.
They were commissioned as lieutenants on June 6, 1976, and were sent to Staunton, VA. In 1980, they were transferred to Roanoke, VA, where they served for five years. The Captains Worthy were then asked for overseas service as divisional leaders for Trinidad and Tobago.
Upon returning Stateside, they were appointed to Charleston, SC—the first of three critical posts that would see major disaster responses. In the wake of Hurricane Hugo, the captains led innovative relief efforts. They also pioneered new forms of collaboration between The Salvation Army and local, state, and federal agencies.
When Hurricane Andrew struck Homestead, FL, they were sent to oversee the Army’s relief program from 1992-1994. On the move again, this time to Nashville, TN, the Worthys met the challenge of disaster response due to a devastating tornado—causing Major Jim’s unique humor to come through by remarking, “From now on, I’m going to watch the weather channel for my next appointment!”
Over their six years in Nashville, they built a new Citadel Corps building, opened the Laotian Corps, re-opened the Magness-Potter Community Center, and improved the area command’s finances with the sale of property to the Tennessee Titans.
In 2000, they were sent to the North & South Carolina Division as divisional evangelists and adult ministries secretaries. Major Bertha became divisional director of family services in 2003.
Majors Jim & Bertha Worthy retired from active officership on January 20, 2007. Just two years later, Major Jim was Promoted to Glory on November 28, 2009.
Despite the absence of her soulmate, Bertha became even more involved in her weekly routines, hosting game nights and holiday parties for women in her neighborhood. Her friends often joined her in charitable efforts like crocheting hats for the homeless or buying gifts for Angel Tree.
Everyone who knew her could always count on her wise counsel, scripture reading, and intercessory prayer. Members of her Salvation Army family could always depend on her for a place to stay and enjoy her warm hospitality.
Major Bertha Worthy is preceded in death by her parents; three siblings (Evelyn Bordeau, Edward Dacres, Thomas Dacres); and her beloved husband of 46 years, Major Jim Worthy.
She is survived by her two children, Major David (Dawn) Worthy and Major Julie Anne (Thomas) Louden; as well as seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at the Charlotte Temple Corps.