Dr. Berlinda Love

Meet Dr. Berlinda Love

I am the oldest of four born to William Howard Love and Parrie Bernice Hart Love, both deceased. I was born in Valdosta, GA, the home of my mother. My grandfather was a tobacco farmer in Clyattville, the countryside of Valdosta, and I came up at a time when there were several generations living in one house. I worked in the tobacco fields with my aunts, uncles, and cousins (that was everyone in the country). My parents moved to Trenton, NJ and although I spent my first year of High School (9th grade) at Westside High in Valdosta, where I was crowned Miss Freshman by a unanimous vote of the student body, the majority of my elementary, secondary, and college education was accomplished in New Jersey. I graduated from Trenton State College (BS), Rider University (MA Educational Leadership), and Princeton Theological Seminary M.Div.

I have held many positions in the church over the years, and paved the way for others to come after me, as ordained women were not recognized in mainline Black churches when I began my journey. I forged on until doors began to gradually open. Upon graduating from Trenton State College I taught school and served as an administrator for 31 years, following in the footsteps of my parents who were teachers before and simultaneously with me. My plans were to retire and write a book a year, however, my mother suffered a stroke and the trajectory of my life changed forever, as did that of my entire family. My siblings and I cared for both our parents until their demise and deaths in July and August 2017, just 30 days apart.

I continued to serve the church, because it was my faith in Jesus Christ that kept me during hard times until this day. My parents passed the baton to me as the oldest of four and now it is most important that our family remains in tact. We all went out separate ways when our parents passed on, but we remain close. I relocated back to Valdosta, GA in May, 2018 and God has blessed me to be safe in the midst of COVID, hurricanes, tornadoes, and other things. I am blessed and I am thankful that I am on my third pastorate in the AME Church. To God be the glory!