Gertrude Smith was born to Mr. & Mrs. Martin Van Buren & Frances Coleman-Brown on September 19, 1948 in Macon, Ms. She was
the 6th of 10 children.She was educated in the Macon Public School system. She was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Sylvester Smith in 1966.

To this union, 1 child was born. She confessed her hope in Christ at an early age in Macon, MS. She moved to Chicago, Il., joining Evening Star M.B. under the leadership of Rev. Dr. O.C. Morgan. She later moved back to Macon, MS where she joined Mt. Carmel M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. C.H. Brown, then later under Rev. Jack Vaughn.

She served on the Usher Board and the choir where she served as choir director. She was a faithful member until her health kept her from attending on a regular basis.

In 1992 she joined the Order of Eastern Star with Starlight Chapter #037 and later she would become the AWM of Guiding Light 339 in Macon, MS under Modern Free & Accepted Masons of The World serving Elizabeth Grand Chapter of Mississippi.

She also started the Original Noxubee County Mass Choir.

She earned her CDL and drove trucks for many years. She later drove the school bus for the Noxubee County School system for many years until her health failed.

Sis. Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, 6 brothers; Willie Martin Brown Sr., Earl Brown, James Edward Brown, Phillip George Brown Sr., David Patrick Brown and James Earl Beasley, 4 sisters; Marvie Jean Brim, Annie Bryant, Edna Ruth Brown-Mason and Lennie Mae Brown.

She leaves to cherish her memories, 1 daughter, Yolanda Smith of Macon, MS; 1 sister, Mary Edwards of Rockford, Il.; 2 sister-in-laws, Patricia Brown of Macon, MS & Debra Pawnell of East St. Louis Il.; 1 grandson, Curtis "Drop" (Shavonne) Smith of Macon, MS 3 great grandsons, Curtwon & Kevontae Smith of Macon, MS and Braylan Dale of Columbus, MS; 1 Step-great granddaughter, Kaniya Grassree & 1 step great great granddaughter Anyla Grassree of Macon, MS. A special son Jerry Smith and a special friend Barbara Smith, both of Macon, MS. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.