Oct. 6, 1928 – March 22, 2012

NATCHEZ — Services for Marcella Carter Birtha, 83, of Altadena, Calif., formerly of Natchez, who died Thursday, March 22, 2012, in California, will be at 11 a.m. today at Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time today at the church.

Mrs. Birtha was born Oct. 6, 1928, in Natchez, the daughter of Lee Poultry Carter and Maryann Reed Carter.

Mrs. Birtha was an educator with the Natchez public school system for 35 years. She received her bachelor’s degree from Alcorn State University and her master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, both in education.

She submitted “Top of the Morning” articles to the Natchez Democrat for a number of years. She also authored a book entitled “All is Well.”

Mrs. Birtha was a member of Greater St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Jamie D. Birtha; four sisters, Roberta Desdunes, Legatha Norman, Ora Lee Carter and Alma Davillier; and three brothers, Willie Carter, Lee Carter and Otis Carter.

Survivors include two grandchildren, Jarrod Birtha and Danielle B. Barnes; one sister, Mary L. Smelser; five great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.