Albertha Darlene Warren

Albertha’s Life of Love, Service, Strength, and Legacy

Albertha Darlene Warren was born February 27, 1954, in Houston, Texas, to Galberth and Estella Warren. The middle child of the family, she was affectionately known as “Bert.” Bold, creative, strong-willed, loving, and unforgettable, Albertha possessed a spirit all her own. At an early age, she accepted Christ and was baptized, establishing a lifelong foundation of faith. She attended J. R. Reynolds Elementary School in Sunnyside, Carter G. Woodson Middle School, and Evan E. Worthing High School, which became her love.

Albertha was born into a family whose hands were gifted in the art of beauty and care. Inspired by her parents, Galberth and Estella, a respected barber and hairstylist on Houston’s Southside, she continued the family legacy by earning her Texas Cosmetology License. At only 17 years old, Albertha began a career that would span more than 50 years, becoming one of the Southside’s trusted healthy hairstylists. Her hands did far more than style hair they created beauty, built confidence, cared for generations of clients, and formed friendships that lasted far beyond the salon chair.

On August 24, 1982, Albertha welcomed the greatest joy of her life, her daughter, Alaina Edjuanna Darlene Kelly, born to Albertha and Edward Kelly. Albertha embraced motherhood wholeheartedly and was actively involved in every part of Alaina’s life from piano, dance, and choir to Jack and Jill, drill team, and oratorical competitions. Wherever Alaina was, Albertha was never far behind, making sure everything got done.

Her love for children extended far beyond her own daughter. In 1991, at Codwell Elementary School, Albertha made history as Coldwell’s first African American Brownie Girl Scout leader, serving alongside her sister Karen and friends. At Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, she served through the Women’s Ministry and worked with the Tiny Tots and youth, continuing her lifelong commitment to nurturing young people.

In August 2000, Albertha answered another calling and became a Special Education Teacher at Francis Scott Key Middle School. For 25 years, Key became another family, and Albertha became affectionately known as “the mother of the campus.” She nurtured creative minds and touched the lives of countless students, colleagues, and staff with her compassion, honesty, creativity, and signature tough love. If Bert loved you, you knew it and if she had something to say, you probably knew that too. Her impact was measured not simply by the years she taught, but by the lives made better because she was there. Albertha was also a proud member of the Queen Mary Chapter No. 10, Order of the Eastern Star. After fighting a good fight and giving so much of herself to others, Albertha reluctantly retired from the Houston Independent School District in December 2025, closing a remarkable 25-year chapter in education.

On July 14, 2026, Albertha peacefully entered eternal life and was reunited with her beloved parents, Galberth, Estella, and late niece Neshell. She leaves precious memories to her devoted daughter, Alaina Shelby; beloved grandsons, Braedon and Braylon Shelby; sisters, Jeanette Monroe, DeArcy Glenn (Glenn), and Karen Omadevuae (Charles); nieces and nephews, Thomas Monroe III (Kelsey, Quad, Kade, and Amara, Henry Glenn (Shauna, Zoie, and Maci), Gabrielle and Joey Glenn (Erica, Storm, and John II), Ashely (Alfonso); beloved goddaughters and godson, Kelly, Charity, Michelle, Chelle, and Xavier; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, extended family, former students, colleagues, clients, and dear friends.

Her life was one of service. Her hands created a legacy. Her love touched generations. And the unforgettable spirit of “Bert” will live on in every life she touched.