Bertha W. Peyton

December 29, 1928 - January 2, 2021

Mrs. Bertha Wainwright Peyton, the eldest of three children, was born December 29, 1928 in Baltimore, MD. She entered into eternal rest on Saturday January 2, 2021. Young Bertha received her early education in Baltimore City Schools, attending Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary, Booker T. Washington, Jr. High, and Frederick Douglass High Schools. At an early age, Miss Wainwright showed an interest in the piano. By mid-adolescence, she had become a piano aficionado. In the early 1950’s, Mrs. Peyton had enrolled in Morgan State University, Baltimore, majoring in vocal music. Eventually she completed her undergraduate studies at Mary Manse College, Toledo, majoring in voice and minoring in piano. She graduated in 1967. After relocating to Toledo, Mrs. Peyton joined the Toledo Chorale under the direction of Conductor Sam Szor. In 1965, she became a charter member of the Toledo Symphony Orchestra Chorale. She also served as musician for Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist, All Saint’s Episcopal, Warren A.M.E., St. Phillips Lutheran, and Payne Memorial A.M.E. churches. During her employment with the Toledo Public Schools, she served as the traveling music teacher for Navarre, Stickney, Birmingham and Garfield Elementary schools. In 1970, she joined the faculty of Robinson Jr. High School where she served as music teacher and Chair of the Fine Arts Department, retiring in July,1995. She held memberships in: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Top Ladies of Distinction, and the Christian Culture Club. She also enjoyed an active life in Masonry including: Pride of Composite #81, Order of the Eastern Star; Order of the Golden Circle – Past Grand Loyal Lady Ruler – State of Ohio; MECCA Court #73 -- Daughters of Isis. She leaves to cherish her memory, sons Linwood (Gloria) Hall, Portsmouth, VA; Charles Wendell (Deborah) Peyton, III, Las Vegas, NV; sister Gloria Wainwright, Baltimore, MD; nieces, Valari (Aaron) Dorsey, Patricia Pullen, Phyllis Ray, Gwendolyn Ray, and Cynthia (Derrick) Williams, all of Baltimore, MD. She is also survived by her very special friend of more than 60 years Mrs. Mary Jane Caldwell, and adopted children Dr. Kimberly M. Caldwell and, Mr. James M. Caldwell.