Surrounded by most of her family, Gertrude Henderson Nix passed peacefully to Heaven May 11, 2018, at the Magnolias of Easley, where she had lived most of the last 7 years. She was born Martha Gertrude Skelton on March 3, 1920, and lived the majority of her 98 years in Pickens County, SC.
She was predeceased by her parents Clarence S. Skelton and Carrie Kelley Skelton and her brother, Edward. She was also predeceased by her husband of 43 years and father of her children, Samuel I. Henderson; her second husband, Paul W. Nix; her son, Robert and his wife/ her daughter-in-law, Frances Henderson; and her sons-in-law William G. (Bill) Walsh and Graham C. Gillespie.
She is survived by her daughters Carol H. Walsh and Joyce H. Gillespie. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren and their families: Karen Swafford (David); Gayle Hannon, (Scott); Bobby Henderson; Angie Dickmeyer (Tommy); Carmen Melton (Mark); Krystal Doherty (Tom); Scott Gillespie (Cynthia); and 14 great-grandchildren.
Gertrude and her late husband Samuel Henderson were active as charter members of Gap Hill Baptist Church where they both served in many capacities. She was the secretary and church historian. They were very creative and enjoyed ceramic and other classes together. She loved to sew, make quilts, embroider, crochet and knit and spent many loving hours teaching her daughters and her grandchildren these hobbies. She loved to cook and everyone loved her “country cooking.”
She and her 2nd husband Paul Nix were charter members of Ridgeland Dr. Baptist Church. She had perfect church attendance for 43 years until her health declined.
Besides her family, another joy of her life was in helping others less fortunate--especially young people. She often let them help her and she repaid them with music lessons, or nice shoes or clothes to wear to school or church. She provided supplies that would help them be able to continue their education. She delivered Meals on Wheels for many years.
She always had a smile on her face and was gracious to all—never failing to thank anyone for stopping by to see her and asking them to come again. She was an avid reader and enjoyed books delivered by the Pickens County library for many years. Residents at the Magnolias sometimes stopped in her doorway to listen to her read from the Bible or pray or sing. One of her favorite things was to sing with her guests. All who attended her 98th party enjoyed singing with her, especially when she broke into the beginning of a new song. She loved and was well-loved. She was blessed and gave blessings to all who knew her.
The family wishes to thank the staff of The Magnolias of Easley and Halcyon Hospice for their love and caring services.
Services will be Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens, SC. Receiving of friends will be at 2 P.M. followed by the service in the Chapel at 3 and the burial committal in the Chapel immediately afterwards. The service will be Conducted by Rev. David Swafford, and Rev. Bobby Henderson. Pallbearers will be grandsons, grand-sons-in law, and great-grandsons.
Memorials may be made to Ridgeland Drive Baptist Church, (designated to Meals on Wheels or Feed a Hungry Child Program) PO Box 208, Six Mile, SC 29682
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