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WHEREAS, Deacon Gertie Mae Vance was born May 19, 1921 to the late Homer D. Rush and Minerva Rush in Parkdale, Arkansas. She married her school sweetheart Robert Vance and migrated north in 1943 with their young family, and eventually landed in Pittsburgh in 1953, where Robert worked at the railroad. They were married 57 years until his passing; and,
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WHEREAS, Gertie and Robert raised 5 children, 2 daughters, Gail Ballard and Michelle McIntosh and 3 sons who are now deceased. She loved being a housewife and her family and church were her main focus; and,
WHEREAS, her family were members of St. Luke Baptist Church in the Hill District, where Gertie has been a faithful member for 76 years. It is there where she diligently served and lead the Women’s Usher Board and children’s usher board for 47 years and has served and lead the Deaconess Board for many years. She loves worshipping and building her relationship with God and, although she can’t physically attend church now, she remains connected and faithful; and,
WHEREAS, her love for cooking, entertaining and dressing in her favorite hats and fashions were very important to her. She was a hard worker and hospitable to all. She became a mother figure to several children in the neighborhood and they remain her “other children” to this day; and,
WHEREAS, Gertie has resided in District 2 on Middletown Road for 10 years with her daughter and son-in-law. She loves receiving visits from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loves watching TV, since she was not able to do that in her earlier years, and loves sending all kind of cards to family and friends bringing joy to the recipients; and,
WHEREAS, as a child of God, she contributes her longevity to her faith, strength from God and healthy eating; and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby celebrate with Gertie Mae on her 100th Birthday and wish her continued health and prosperity; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare May 19, 2021 to be “Gertie Mae Vance Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.