Zertie Mae King

Zertie Mae was born on October 12, 1939 in Carthage, Texas to Thurman Lee and Bessie Mae Milam. She kissed the face of Jesus on Monday, January 3, 2022 at 6:15 AM. She was Mother to Sheryl Sue (Joe) Martinez, Beverly Ann (Kevin) Hatton, JR (Carol) King, Grandmother to Daryl Gene (Jessica) Lambert, Timothy Dean Lambert, Ashlea’ Nicole, Joshua Caleb, Benjamin Bryce Hatton, and Great Grandmother to Dakota Mae who carries her Great Grandmother’s middle name. She was the oldest of eight children, Mary, Linda, Danny, Paula, Sandra, Thereasa and Wanda. She is preceded in death by her Mother, Daddy and baby sister, Wanda.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider donation to help with final expenses to alleviate stress during this difficult time. Condolences and/or donations may be sent to: Zertie King c/o Beverly Hatton 3214 Essex Drive Mansfield, Texas 76063.

Caregiver’s Cry
I feel anxiety and frustration
That caregivers feel, they say
But just like everything else
This too shall pass one day
I just take in every moment
No matter what that may be
One day I’m her sister, her mother or I’m just me
Sometimes she doesn’t know me
It hurts my heart and stings my sight
I turn my head away from her
To hide the tears that fill my eyes
I know that she is ready, when God calls her to come home
I’m just not so sure I’m ready
For my mama to be gone
I now hold on to all the stories
That she’d repeat again and again
So that I can tell my children
Of the life we had back then
I’ve felt the overwhelming weight
Of caring for my mom
But wouldn’t change one single day
Or tiny thing I’ve done
I don’t need confirmation that I’m doing something right
Or do it for recognition in anybody’s sight
In honor of my mother and the love that we have shared
I have become her mother, just because I care
I cherish every moment
Because I know the day will come
When my visits will be over
And my mama truly gone
So until that day is on me
And yes, I know it’s near
I’ll say I love you mama, as long as you are here
- Written by Bev

To My Mema
Every single day growing up to the man I am today, you have taken care of me and loved me. My only regret is that I wasn’t always able to be by your side. I am honored to have been your grandson, and I hope you can watch me grow old from heaven. Even now, I will always love you. I just wish I got to say goodbye before you left. But after my life, we will meet again, and I can finally tell you how much I love you all over again. Thank you for being there for me growing up. I will never forget you and you will always be in my heart. If only I was good at writing poems, I would make you one. But nevertheless, I love you, Mema. I will never forget you. There is so much more I wish to say, but I hope to write a song for you when I get older and have access to the right equipment. Don’t worry, I won’t forget. It will happen.
Forever in our hearts, Mema. You’re the best. ⁃ Benjamin “Brycie” Hatton

Heaven’s Garden
If flowers grow in heaven Lord
then pick a bunch for me.
Then place them in my grandma’s arms and tell her they’re from me.
Tell her that I love and miss her
And when she turns to smile,
Place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while.
If she ever gets sad and blue
because she feels forgotten
Lord, please pick a flower for every tear
For those thoughts are misbegotten.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day,
But there’s an ache within my heart
That will never go away.
- Written by Ashlea’ 1/4/2021