Gertrude Brunson

GERTRUDE BRUNSON, the daughter of the late Susan Felder and Peter Durant, was born in Manning, South Carolina on March 15, 1927 and peacefully transitioned this life on Friday, June 16, 2023 amongst family. Gertrude spent her early years in Manning, South Carolina with her four brothers (Peter & Jonnie Durant and Rufus & Jesse Johnson, who all preceded her in death) and three sisters (Peral Durant & Estelle Mack, who preceded her in death, and Annie Devane of Wilmington, North Carolina). Gertrude received her education in the public school system. She attended Mount Chapel Baptist Church where she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at an early age. Gertrude married Eugene Brunson, the love of her life, in 1945. They were married for 51 years before Eugene passed in 1996. From that union came three daughters (Gertdell Granter & Beverly Singletary, who preceded her in death, and Barbara Jean Merritt). During their marriage Eugene wanted to provide a better life for Gertrude and his family, so they moved to Baltimore, Maryland where there were more opportunities to provide for the family. Gertrude worked as a caregiver for Lee and Tina Shelter and their family until Eugene took ill. She retired to be able to take care of her husband full-time and did so until he passed. Gertrude lived on Bright Street for years. While living in the community she met wonderful neighbors who became family. Gertrude joined Whitestone Baptist Church where she served in the kitchen on Sundays and as a dedicated member of the Flower-Circle ministry until she could no longer do so. Gertrude loved her independence. She loved to cook for the family, especially every Thanksgiving and Christmas; she was known for her baked macaroni and cheese and sweet potato pie. She loved watching all the kids, traveling, catching the bus to go Downtown to have lunch with the ladies at the McDonalds on the corner of Baltimore and Howard Street, getting us peanuts from Lexington Market, and walking. For exercise, Gertrude walked from Brighton Street to North Avenue twice a day for years until diagnosed with early dementia. Since 2015, Gertrude had been going to Ericka and Eric Home of Care II monthly, and in March 2020, when the COVID pandemic hit, Gertrude moved to Ericka and Eric Home of Care II on a full-time basis under the leadership of Queenie and Gill Hardy. There, Gertrude received excellent personalized care and gained new sisters and brothers who loved her just as much as her family. They had fun together and are deeply saddened Gertrude has passed. Gertrude always showed love, one of the fruits of the spirit. She was a giver and would give of herself so that others could have. Gertrude’s life reflects the grace with which she lived – despite picking cotton, discrimination, boycotts, fighting for justice, education, and equal jobs for women of color, and enduring a global pandemic. Gertrude was always a Proverbs 31:26 woman, “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” Gertrude taught her Obituary daughters, grandchildren, great grands, friends, and co-workers about the love of God. As Gertrude rests in peace, she leaves us with Matthew 5:16, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” And the father in heaven can say to you too, “Well done my good and faithful servant!” Gertrude leaves to cherish her memory one daughter – Barbara Jean Merritt (Frederick Merritt, Sr.); ten grandchildren – Alton L. Granter, Jr., Shirley Granter, Anthony Granter (Anita), Michelle Faltz (Alphonso, Sr.), Adrienne Cofield, LaTina Singletary, Denise Singletary, Frederick Merritt Jr. (Natasha), Bryan Merritt, and Alisa Merritt; a host of great grandchildren; one sister – Annie Devane (NC); one sister-in-law – Alice Crawford (MD); members of Ericka and Eric Home of Care II; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. Gertrude also had one granddaughter, Michelle Singletary who preceded her in death.

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Gertrude Brunson

March 15, 1927 - June 16, 2023