Bertha (Budwood) Small Balance Murphy was born November 30, 1917 in Bertie County to the late Deacon Tommie and late Wille Mae Jordan Small. Bertha was the third of fourteen children. Bertha peacefully departed this life and entered into eternal rest on Sunday September 22, 2013 at Edgecombe County Hospital with her family by her side.

At an early age Bertha confessed Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and became a member of Second Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the pastorship of Reverend Sharpe. Bertha regularly attended Sunday School and morning Worship Services. Bertha received her formal education in the Washington County School System. Bertha later studied at Virginia Tech.

Bertha met and married William Ballance and relocated to Norfolk, VA and joined New Calvary Baptist Church. While there Bertha served on the Usher's Board. Bertha was employed at the Norfolk Navy Base Exchange for 37 years. Upon retirement, Bertha returned to Plymouth to provide care for her elderly father, Deacon Tommie Small.

Bertha loved her favorite pastimes of keeping abreast of current events, cooking, language exercises, caring for flowers, sewing and canning. "Sis" as she was affectionately known by family was a kind and loving person always eager to be a blessing to others. "Sis" was well versed in the history and oral traditions of the family. Bertha regularly attended church until her health deteriorated. In her final years, Bertha resided at Roanoke Landing Nursing Center in Plymouth.

Bertha leaves to cherish her memories a daughter- Rosa Brown- Chesapeake, VA.; three sisters- Blanche S. Saunders- Brooklyn, NY., Mable S. Wooten- Plymouth, NC., Mildred Jackson (Rudolph)- Chesapeake, VA; grandson- Ricky Ballance (Charlene)- Chesapeake, VA; granddaughter- Cathy Killins (Stanley) -Chesapeake, VA; five great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Bertha was preceded in death by her hudband, William Ballance, her father, Deacon Tommie Small, mother, Willie Mae Jordan Small, brothers, Johnnie, Alphonsa, Sylvester, Joseph, Herbert, William Henry, Walter Henry and sisters, Lettie, Georgia, and Marjorie.

Funeral services were 2:00PM Saturday September 28, 2013 at Second Zion Grove Baptist Church with Reverend Hubert Judon, officiating. Burial followed in Small Family Cemetery, Macedonia Community.