Obituary of Bertina Marie Napier

Bertina Marie Napier (b. Guillory) passed away peacefully in her home in Chevy Chase, Maryland on October 8, 2023 at the age of 94 years old. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Known for her unwavering dedication to her family and faith, invigorating presence, sharp intellect, and love of sports, Bertina's life was a testament to resilience, love, and the joys of a life well-lived.

Bertina was born on May 24, 1929, in Louisiana, into a bustling family of eight siblings. While still a young child, the family moved to San Bernadino, California. As a young woman, Bertina relocated to Detroit, Michigan. She married George H. Napier, Jr. and together they raised four children in the Catholic faith.  After 32 years of serving her country with distinction, Bertina retired from the United States Defense of Department as a Supervisory Program Analyst in 1989. 

Following her retirement, Bertina and George relocated to Ocala, Florida in 1991. She was an active member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic minister. She also learned how to play golf, and her passion for the sport and camaraderie with her fellow players brought her great happiness. She was a proud member of the Red Hats, Diamond Dames and the Detroiters as well as an avid bridge player. In recent years, Bertina and George made Chevy Chase their home.

One of Bertina's most treasured joys was her 72-year marriage to her beloved husband, George H. Napier, Jr., whom she wed on September 11, 1951. Their relationship was a testament to the possibilities of a loving and committed partnership.

Bertina is survived by her husband George H. Napier, Jr. and their three children, Denise Marie Russell (Seth d.), George H. Napier, III (May), and Diana Lynn Napier (Vaughn); seven grandchildren, Mark Lynn, Charles DeClouette, Richard DeClouette, Jason Russell, Emerson Davis, Gabriel Olalia-Napier, and Marie-Elise Olalia-Napier; and five great-grandchildren: Carra, Alexia, Caidyn, Xavier, and Xander DeClouette. She also leaves behind a host of nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives with the same courage, love, and joy that Bertina embodied. She was preceded in death by her son Charles Richard DeClouette and her first husband, John DeClouette.

Bertina's legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a testament to the enduring impact of a remarkable woman.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 10, 2023 from 5-7pm at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Home 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church 10670 SE Maricamp Rd, Ocala, FL 34472 with entombment to follow at Highland Memorial Park.