Gertrude (Curtis) Barting was born on December 18, 1927, to Will and Francis (Hall) Curtis, in Albion, MI, the youngest of 10 siblings. On Tuesday, March 16, 2021, after a brief illness, she gained her heavenly wings.
Gertrude accepted Christ at an early age and was an active member of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, serving in the choir, Pastor’s Aid and Kitchen Committee. In 1960 she wedded William D. Word, Sr. and to this union two lovely children were born.
Gertrude was educated in the Albion Public School system, attending Westward and Washington Gardner Schools. Always a hard worker, Gertrude worked locally in the Albion community providing domestic care to local families, then working at Corning Glass, A to Z Sweeper Shop and the Albion Public School System. An avid cook, Gert catered many holiday events as well.
In 1984, she married, Robert H. Barting and re-located to Detroit, MI. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, serving in the choir and Pastors Aid. While in Detroit, Gertrude was employed by the Detroit Medical Center (DMC) Harper Grace Hospital as a Nutritional Aide.
In 2003, after retirement, Gertrude and Robert returned home to Albion, where she re-joined Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, joined the Citizens to Beautify Albion and the Albion NAACP.
In February 2019 she was acknowledged by the Albion chapter of the NAACP for her dedication and service to the Albion community and in September 2019, she was proud and honored to be crowned Mrs. Macedonia. Gertrude was indeed a social butterfly and could tell a story like NO OTHER. She was sure to make you laugh while remaining prime and proper. She retained a lot of the Albion history and could give details of various historical events over the years. She loved and adored her family, as well as her church and church family and spent countless hours over the years preparing for various functions and events that involved both.
She leaves to cherish her memory, two children: son, William David Word, Jr., of Albion, MI., and daughter, Denise L. Word (Rod) Eady, of Bonaire, GA. God-daughter, Elizabeth F. Craig, of Albion, MI. Six grandchildren: Mario G. Moore, Kalamazoo, MI.; Damaria L. Word, College Park, GA.; William D. Word, III, Kalamazoo, MI.; Jalen J. Ben, Winston, ND.; Kyra J. Eady, Atlanta, GA. and Derek E. Word, Charlevoix, MI. Seven Great Grand Children: William D. IV, Mason, Dustin, Kevin, Kaylee, Damyln & Elite; brother, Dr. James L. Curtis, sister-in-love, Essie L. Curtis; special nieces: Rosie L. Chatman, Johnna Adams Robinson & A. Denise Maxwell; darlings: Barbara L. & Varoni L. Williams and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones and special friends.
Gertrude was preceded in death by her spouse, Robert, her parents, and eight (8) siblings.
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