Bertie Lou Prestridge

Bertie Lou Prestridge, 87, of Lake Charles, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at a local care facility with her loving family by her side. A native of Pollock, LA, Bertie was born September 12, 1936, to Preston Phillips and Beulah Mae Burrough Phillips. 

She graduated high school from Pollock as a star basketball player. Soon after graduation she met and married the love of her life, Arlen. They were happily married for 46 years before Arlen went to meet the Lord. Their life together was filled with family. They were blessed with two boys but Bertie’s love for children never ended, and they fostered two babies before adding the beautiful twins completing their family. As the family grew, she greeted each one with grace and love and reveled in her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Bertie was an avid gardener and surrounded her life with beauty. Large tomatoes fresh from the vine were one of her favorite meals. She loved working outside in the yard and enjoyed sitting in her swing enjoying the evening. Bertie was known for her chicken and dumplings, but everything she cooked was delicious. 

She loved camping and was part of the Jean Lafitte Family Campers for years. Many times, her granddaughters Amber & Ashley joined them on their camping trips. She enjoyed a monthly group of ladies who gathered for cards and fellowship.

Bertie was a faithful believer in Christ. She attended the local Baptist church in every town they lived. She was a lifelong member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Pollock and most recently as a member of East Ridge Baptist Church in Lake Charles. She could always be found in the choir and was a marvelous alto. She taught Sunday school, prepared meals for those in need, and also taught at the church preschool. She was a faithful member of the prayer chain and could be found reading the Word of God every day.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children; Keith Prestridge (Dianne), David Prestridge (Becky), Pamela Williams, Paula Robertson, siblings; Irene Burrough, Eva Marie Phillips, Myrtle Sanders, grandchildren; Ashley Prestridge, Amber Fountain, Katherine Prestridge, Cody Williams, great-grandchildren; Carter Fountain, Madilyn Fountain, Cooper Williams and numerous extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; Arlen Prestridge, brothers; Louis Phillips and Archie Phillips.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 1, 2024, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM, at Johnson Funeral Home, 4321 Lake St. Lake Charles, LA. 70605. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Friday, August 2, 2024, beginning at 8:30 AM and continuing until the Funeral Service at 10:00AM. Additional visitation and service will be Friday, August 2, 2024, from 2:00PM until service time at 3:00PM at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, in Pollock, LA. Burial will follow the service at Pleasant Hill Baptist Cemetery.