She was the first born of four children to the union of the late Frank Speight and Dollie Mae Hopkins Speight. She was born and raised in Greene County, North Carolina. After battling a short illness, she transitioned to be home with the Lord on February 3, 2026 surrounded with her daughter, Kenya.
Gertrude attended Greene County Training School in North Carolina. She later relocated to Philadelphia, PA where she attended nursing school. Upon completing her education, she was employed at Albert Einstein Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse to later become a private duty nurse. In 1995 she relocated to Virginia Beach, VA to continue her career as a private duty nurse until her retirement.
She was a sharp sophisticated woman who loved fashion and decorating. Trudie also enjoyed traveling and social gatherings with family. Although Trudie cherished time with her family and friends, she found peace and happiness working in her flower and vegetable garden.
She was preceded in death by her husband Elwood E. Johnson, both parents Frank and Dollie Mae Speight, two brothers Napoleon Speight, Frank Speight Jr. and her beloved friend Alonzo Peterson.
Our beloved mother leaves to mourn five beautiful daughters: Deborah Deans (Alfred- deceased) of Wilson, NC; Sharon Speight-English (Derrick) of Saratoga, NC; Kenya C Johnson of Virginia Beach, VA; Ebony M. Peterson of Philadelphia, PA and Betty Lawry of Powder Spring, GA; two bonus children: Diedra Herbert (Dallas) of Philadelphia, PA and Lionel Johnson of Philadelphia, PA.
She is survived by two sisters: Delois Lawrence of Camden, NJ and Jackie Williams-Gravitt of Riverview, FL. Gertrude leaves her cherished namesake granddaughter: Dherrian TruShar’a English of Garner, NC. She as well leave six loving grandchildren: Hassan Batts of Las Vegas, NV; Shelby Batts, Reginald Lowry, Trayvon Lowry, Diamond Lowry and Moses Lowry all of Powder Spring, GA and four loving great grandchildren.
She also leaves to mourn four nieces: Trusalda Speight of Durham, NC; Brenda Turner (Scottie) of Castleberry, AL; Cordelia Williams of Savannah, GA and Michelle Willis (Jake) of Riverview, FL; three nephews: Phillip Tracy Speight of Bronx, NY, John Timothy Lipscomb (Brenda) of Sacramento, CA and Mitchell Williams (Shirley) of Savannah, GA. One loving aunt: Mildred Artis of Stantonsburg, NC. Also included are two beloved friends: Roland Sr. and Marcelline Eubanks of Pennsauken, NJ.
Among those left to cherish her memories are her two god-sons: Roland Eubanks Jr. and Tyrone Eubanks of Pennsauken, NJ; one god-daughter: Tawanda Dixon of Sewell, NJ and a host of other family members and friends.
