Bertina Hildreth Combes passed away peacefully on Friday February 19, 2021. She was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on November 20, 1958 to Eddie and Gladys Hildreth. Bertina was known for her kindness and desire to be God's hands and feet. She had a servant heart and a unique gift of giving everyone 100% of her attention, at all times. She will lovingly be remembered for her sweet spirit and over 40 years of service in the field of education, serving in numerous capacities from Special Education teacher at Dufrocq Elementary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Assistant Professor at Texas Tech University, to Vice-Provost of Faculty Success at the University of North Texas.

She obtained her undergraduate degree from Oral Roberts University, a Master's in Elementary School Supervision and Administration from Southern University and a Ph.D. from University of Texas at Austin in Special Education. As the child of college educators, her love of knowledge and teaching was deeply ingrained in her and was regularly demonstrated in both her personal life and her career. Dedicated to her profession, Bertina was active in numerous organizations, committees and the support of inclusion and diversity in all aspects. Bertina established the Drs. Eddie and Gladys Hildreth scholarship in honor of her parents.  Bertina was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta and also enjoyed participating in Bible Study Fellowship.

Bertina believed in the power of words, not only God's but her own, and she used hers to regularly bless and encourage others. People who were fortunate enough to come in contact with her were always left changed for the better. Her close friends, family and colleagues were all recipients of her kind words that were often followed up by an equally loving action on her part. Clothed in fortitude and strength, Bertina was selfless and giving, and walked with grace and humility. The footprint she left on the world will remain visible for many years to come. There are some people who are too good for this world, she was one of them.

Bertina was a faithful member of The Village Church Denton. She enjoyed travel and had a variety of talents including baking, gardening and sewing personalized masks for friends and loved ones. Being a mother was the highlight of her life and she is survived by her daughter, Ashley Nicole Combes and son, Julius Hayes Combes. She also leaves her mother, Gladys J. Hildreth, siblings Dwayne E. Hildreth, Kathleen (Quintin) Harris and Karen (Sean) Lathan, niece Paige Harris and nephews Zachary Harris and Caleb and Jacob Lathan to miss her with a sense of great loss. Affectionately named The Musketeers, her college roommates will also feel the absence of her presence. Preceded in death by her father, Eddie Hildreth, Jr.  Numerous cousins, aunts, uncles and family friends will mourn her deeply every single day.

The University of North Texas will honor her with a scholarship in her name. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made through the University Advancement office or call 940-369-8200 for information.