The Rev. Bertha Ellen Tichinel, 86, of Long Beach, Miss., and formerly of Swanton, Md., passed away on March 8, 2024, in Gulfport, Miss. Born on Dec. 16, 1937, in Neva, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Cassie (O'Neal) Dickens.

Bertha was an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene since 1986. She served in multiple Nazarene Churches in many different capacities until her move to Long Beach, Miss., in 2018, where she attended and served at the Trinity Pentecostal Tabernacle Church. She lived for Christ and her mission in life was to share His love to others. If there was one verse that represented her calling, it was John 3:16. She loved ministering and being a shepherd to people, whether she knew them or not. Her relationships with each of her grandchildren were unique; whether it was playing at Brady's Run Park with Josh, Coffee Parties in tea cups with Stephanie, riding the red VW Bug with Liz, or sharing a birthday with Caitlin, her love and prayers continually surrounded them.

Through our tears of grief, we are mindful of the fact that mom is rejoicing to be in the presence of her Lord Jesus and reunited with her husband of 50 years, Earl Robison Tichinel. Her legacy of faith and prayers continues to keep her family blessed.

She is survived by three children, Carla Tichinel Haney and husband, Richard of Long Beach, Miss., Larry Tichinel and wife, Roberta of Keyser, W.Va., and Vicki Tichinel Porto of Grand Prarie, Texas; four grandchildren, Joshua Haney, Stephanie Porto Paich and husband, Colin, Elizabeth Haney, and Caitlin Tichinel; a great-grandchild, Tucker Haney; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews that she kept in regular contact with.

Friends will be received on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, from 1:30 to 2 p.m., at the Mount Zion United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., in the church with Pastor George H. Tichinel officiating. Interment will follow in the Mount Zion Cemetery.

The C & S Fredlock Funeral Home, P.A., Oakland, is honored to be serving the Tichinel family at this time.