The National Association of Black Military Women recognizes and honors the life and military service of Bertha Dupre who served in France with the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all African American female unit, during WWII. Later, she was called to stateside duty for the Korean War.  She ultimately rose to the rank of MSG.

 

Bertha Craig Harrison Dupre , 97, of Kannapolis, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Transitional HealthCare. Bertha was born April 21, 1921 in Washington, DC and grew up in Pennsylvania. During WWII, she worked as a clerk and typist in the War Department and later joined the Womens Army Auxiliary Corps. After joining the Army, her battalion, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, was stationed in France, and she worked in the post office. On February 20th, 2019, the 6888th was awarded an Army Meritorious Unit Citation (MUC) and on February 28th, 2019, Kansas State Senator Jerry Moran introduced Senate Bill 633, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Womens Army Corps who were Assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the "Six Triple Eight". After the war, she was discharged and returned to government work, where she assisted the Veterans Administration. Bertha then joined the WAC reserves and in 1950, was called back to service during the Korean War. Later, she worked for the quartermaster in Washington, then Philadelphia. She then worked in housekeeping at Bowie State College in Maryland. After that time, she worked for Amtraks Montrealer, from D.C. to Montreal for 12 years. After retirement in 1984, she decided to take art, English, creative writing, and drama classes in Maryland. After moving to Charlotte in 1992, she continued taking classes at Central Piedmont Community College. At the age of 87, she applied to UNC-Charlotte to pursue a degree in studio art. Ms. Bertha will be laid to rest on Friday, March 22nd, 2019 at the Salisbury National Cemetery. A memorial service with full military honors will begin at 11am. Carolina Cremation and Powles Staton Funeral Home are assisting with the services for Ms. Dupre. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com or www.powlesfuneralhome.com.

 

Annetta “Netta” Ware Smith was born January 29, 1931 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to William C. and Cordelia Ware of Lexington, Kentucky. Annetta joined the United States Air Force in 1951. Netta took basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After basic training, she was stationed at Brooksfield Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas for 18 months. From there, she went to Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming for technical training as a teletype operator. With this training, she was sent to Tokyo Japan for 2 years. She then returned to Offutt AFB in Omaha, Nebraska where she was honorably discharged in 1954 after serving four years in the Air Force.

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Annetta was a member of the National Association of Black Military Women (NABMW), American Legion Post 368, Chapter member of Women in Military Service Association (WIMSA) and she volunteered for 5 years with the University of Medicine and Dentistry in Newark, New Jersey.

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The National Association of Black Military Women recognizes and honors the life and military service of Annetta Ware Smith.

Crescencia “Joyce” Garcia, aged 103, of Maunabo, Puerto Rico, peacefully passed away on August 3, 2023, in The Bronx, NY. She was born April 18, 1920, and her departure from this world marks the end of a life well-lived. In her youth, Crescencia answered the call of duty and proudly served as Private First Class in the U.S. Army during World War II as a member of The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion and is a recipient of the Gold Congressional Medal of Honor. Her commitment to her country and her bravery in the face of adversity exemplified the highest ideals of patriotism.

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As a woman of faith, Joyce found solace and strength in her devotion to St. Augustine/Our Lady of Victory Church in the Bronx, NY. Her unwavering belief in the power of prayer guided her through life’s joys and sorrows, providing her with a steadfast foundation.

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Joyce is survived by her loving sons, Estaban III (Palmira), Angel (Carol), her devoted daughter , Rhona (Edward). A cherished legacy of four grandchildren, Tara, Michael, Brian and Steven, and two great-grandchildren, William & Mikaya. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering love will​  forever remembered by her family and those who were fortunate enough to know her. She preceded in death by her husband, Esteban Garcia II. Cresencia Garcia’s departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but her memory will forever be cherished . She will be remembered for her unwavering love, her strength of character , and her dedication to family and country. May she find eternal peace and may her spirit continue to inspire all who knew her.