She was born in Pitkin, Louisiana and lived in Beaumont, Texas for most of her adult life. She worked for many years for Gulf States Utilities (now Entergy), and also for the Beaumont Independent School District. Gertrude was a member of North End Baptist Church and she enjoyed being outdoors, especially gardening.
Survivors include her children, Jeffrey Carter and wife, Kandie of Lumberton, Texas, and Pamela Holmes and husband, Joe of Katy, Texas; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia White; and her parents, John James Pickering and Maggie May Bond Pickering.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 31, at Palestine Cemetery in Grant, Louisiana. Pastor Hardy Estes will officiate. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.