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Gertha Mae W. Crumpler was born on September 19, 1950, in Wilson, North Carolina to Jessie Bell Williams and William Henry Vick. She was raised by her mother and James “Buddy” Williams who was a loving father to Gertha. She went home to be with the Lord on December 3, 2023. Gertha graduated from Charles H. Darden High School in Wilson, NC and attended Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC before beginning her career at North Carolina National Bank in Greenville, NC, which later became known as Bank of America. She enjoyed a 42-year career with Bank of America where she worked in Greenville, Wilmington, and Charlotte, NC before retiring in 2020. Throughout her career, Gertha discovered many incredible blessings, both professionally and personally, as she “was able to meet, assist, and work with some absolutely amazing co-workers, customers, and clients for many years.” Her exceptional service and care are still talked about by many who experienced what amounted to Gertha living out her purpose and calling. A long-time resident of Greenville, NC, she was a dedicated member of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church where she was a member of the Young Adult Choir, the Board of Evangelism, and Sunday School. Wherever she served, the testimony about Gertha was always the same: She embodied the love of Jesus in her words and actions. No one left her presence without feeling loved and valued. After relocating to Charlotte from Wilmington, NC, Gertha became a member of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. She was a faithful and cherished member of the Empowered Disciples Sunday School Class and never failed to reach out to fellow class members with cards, texts, and encouraging phone calls. Gertha’s faith was her firm foundation, and she nurtured her family with the same love and care. A proud mother of three sons, Gertha was ardently supportive. She attended sporting events and musical performances faithfully and joyfully. She was an adored grandmother of six grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply. In addition, her warm and caring nature earned her the name “Mama Crump” from her sons’ classmates, teammates, and from her colleagues across the state. Gertha was a bold prayer warrior, and her prayers and wise counsel uplifted family, friends, and even acquaintances. She never met a stranger! Her life was a tapestry woven with threads of gratitude and grace. Without exaggeration, it is impossible to know the countless lives Gertha touched. Gertha’s legacy is one of love, a life well-lived in the service of others, and a faith that never faltered. She was a connector, a unifier of hearts and souls, always bringing people together in love and fellowship. Her smile reflected a blessed life, and her optimism was a light in every situation. Her voice, always resonant with joy and hope, will echo in the hearts of those she leaves behind to cherish her memory. Gertha was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Gertha Smith Wilkerson; her mother, Jessie Bell Williams; her biological father, William Henry Vick; and the man who raised her as his own, James “Buddy” Williams. Gertha is survived by her three sons, Carlester T. Crumpler (Yarid) of Marietta, GA, Algernon D. Crumpler (Jennifer) of Suwanee, GA, Bryan A. Crumpler of New York, NY; siblings, James Williams, Jr. (Lois), Ronald Lee Williams, Jessica Ann Williams, Gaynell Williams, Barbara Farmer, Carlton Best (Gwen), Andrea Colette Best, and Jessie Junior Thompson, all of Wilson, NC; six grandchildren—Kendal, Ava, and Campbell Crumpler of Suwanee, GA and Sophia, Natalia, and Joshua Crumpler of Marietta, GA; one niece, TaMia Mendez (Tony) of Acworth, GA; four nephews, Daryl Williams (Salena) of Marietta, GA; Mario Hinnant (Nicole), JaRon Williams, and JaMarius Williams, all of Wilson, NC; and a host of extended family members and friends. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary woman, we are comforted by the knowledge that her spirit lives on in the lives she touched. She was a gift to us all, and we are eternally grateful for the time we shared with her. Gertha’s memory will be cherished, her lessons will continue to guide us, and her love will forever be a beacon in our lives. Rest in peace Mom, Sis, Sister, Gert, Gertha, Grandma Gertha, Aunt Gert, Cousin, and Mama Crump. Your life was a beautiful reflection of God's love, and your legacy will continue to inspire and uplift us all. PGFWABF! TGBTG! TYL! H! GPBABCMYFAM! 😊

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Ms. Gertha W. Crumpler

September 19, 1950 - December 3, 2023