Gertrude Wright

Gertrude Wright, born Tullie Mae Gertrude Walker, on May 21, 1941, was the fourth of thirteen children born in Tunica, MIssissippi to the parents of Wilbert and Emily Walker. She attended elementary school in Tunica, MS and then high school in Memphis, TN. In 1957, Gertrude married Willie Lee Hartfield. In December 1958, she, Willie Lee and their infant son, Sammie Lee moved to Chicago, Illinois. Their union was further blessed with four more children, Brenda Faye, Delores, Willie and Marie. Gertrude, while raising a family worked various jobs in Chicago. She worked for seven years at Fredrick Cooper, Elegant Lamps and Accents where she met Newman Wright. On November 24, 1970, Newman and Gertrude united in holy matrimony and from this union Akron and Deval were born. Gertrude later worked from 1986 to 2004 with her brothers, Eddie and Elzzie Walker at their family owned restaurant, "The Down Home Fish Market". After a careful study of God's word the Bible, Gertrude dedicated her life to Jehovah and symbolized her dedication through water baptism in 1993. She attended the Calumet Heights Congregation and was a regular pioneer before her illness. Affectionately known as "Tullie Mae", Gertrude was a warm, compassionate, inquisitive and engaging person who loved interacting with people. She always showed concern for others and maintained close connections with family and friends. On Friday, July 13, 2012, Gertrude fell asleep in death at Trinity Hospital in Chicago, at the age of 71. Her presence will truly be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Emily Walker and Wilbert Walker; two children, Sammie Lee Hartfield and Delores Coates; four brothers, James "JW", Wilbert, Eddie Lee and Elzzie Lee "Sugar Man" Walker; one sister, Mercedes Harris; and one sister-in-law, Alice Walker. Gertrude leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 42 years, Newman Wright; five loving children, Brenda Faye, Willie Lee (Geraldine), Iola Marie Hartfield, Akron and Deval Wright; eighteen grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; three sisters, Ined Collins, Emily Walker and Emma Jean Fullilove; four brothers, Willie B. (Elizabeth), Sammie (Valerie), George Louis (Carol) and Willie Lee Walker; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Tributes

Gertrude Wright

May 21, 1941 - July 13, 2012