Gertie Lee Rich

Gertie Lee Rich was born the fifth child to Betty and Zed Roosevelt Jackson on November 25, 1935 in McNeil, Arkansas. She peacefully entered into eternal rest on January 12, 2018.

After attending Reed High School in Dumas, Arkansas, Gertie relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. She married Ivory Joe Holden and was blessed with three children: Joel, Anthony and Modest. On January 20, 1968, Gertie was remarried to Oliver E. Rich (“Big Rich”) and later gave birth to a third son, Oliver Jr. Together, Gertie and Big Rich raised four children.

Gertie had a lasting impact on many lives through church memberships, interest in physical fitness, and involvement with numerous charities. She was a member of Welcome Missionary Baptist Church, Good Samaritan Baptist Church and Greater Grace Temple. She had a heart for ministries that supported the elderly and those grieving and mourning. She set a wonderful example for others by maintaining her health through walking, going to Weight Watchers and doing aerobics. She combined her interests in health and fitness with an annual walk for her favorite charity, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.

In 2008, she moved to Gibsonville, North Carolina and became a member of St John’s AME Church, where she was a faithful member until her health limited her attendance. In poor health, her spiritual resolve remained strong.

Gertie was loyal, loving, and supportive to her family and friends. She instilled Christian values of hard work and personal excellence in her children. She is survived by four children: Joel Holden of Kansas City MO, Anthony Holden (Christie) of Houston TX, Modest Lamberth (Grover) of Gibsonville NC and Oliver Rich Jr. (Valerie) of Atlanta GA; eight grandchildren: Jahmel Holden, Dale Lamberth Jr., Rishawn Blackwell, Dionne Holden, Antoine Holden, Alexcia Holden, Nia Rich and Jessica Rich; five great-grand children: one sister: Catherine Johnson and two brothers Franklin Jackson (Mary Etta) and John Burton (Leola); and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. Her children, grandchildren, family and friends will cherish her memory forever.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver E. Rich Sr.; three brothers: Coy Lee Jackson, Troy Jackson and Roy Jackson; three sisters: Queen E. Davis, Elisa Hardin and Betty R. Poole; and one grandson, Aaron Jackson.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, January 27th at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri.