Mrs. Gertie Smith-Gray was born December 6, 1945 to the late Mr. Roosevelt Smith and the late Mrs. Bretha Dessasure Smith in Jasper County, South Carolina.  She attended the public schools in Jasper County, and  joined Mount Mariah Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Rev. B. Lawton (grand uncle).  At the age of 18, she relocated to Newark, NJ and was employed with The Mattle Toy Company.  Gertie later returned home to South Carolina as a domestic technician where she later retired.  She was united into holy matrimony to Mr. Charlie Gray, Jr. for 47 years and to this union four children were born.  Gertie a loving, kindhearted, person who never was a stranger to anyone she came in contact with.  Four siblings proceeded her in death.   Gertie received her wings on December 22, 2017 at the Ridgeland Nursing Home with her loved ones surrounding her.

She leaves to cherish cherish her memories: a loving husband of 47 years, Mr. Charlie Gray, Jr., Hampton, SC; four daughters: Chevelle S. (Rickey) White, and Syrina Gray (Juan) Miller, both of Hampton, SC; Gwendolyn (Brenda) Smith, Newark, NJ; Tracy Willis, Dallas, TX. Adopted daughter: Yolanda Hamilton, Hampton, SC.  Three sisters: Lilian Brown, Pineland, SC; Victoria (Minister Harvey) Garvin, Hardeeville, SC; Willie Mae (Harold) Tyler, Bluffton, SC.  Her pride and joy grandchildren: Brandon (Allie) White, Columbia, SC; Quincy Smith, Hampton, SC; Jaleel, Aryanna, and Raven Miller, all of Hampton, SC.  Two great grandchildren who made her smile, Jacen and Amari White both of Columbia, SC.  One aunt: Irene Smith.  Two sisters in law: Trudell Smith, Deloris Smith-Wilson, Inez Fuller Priester, Ella Mae (Leroy) Brown, Verna Mae Gray, Inez Gray and Marilyn Gray; Brothers in law: Lane (Lizzy Mae) Gray and Sidney Gray.  A host of nieces and nephews including a special nephew, Nathaniel Williams, Ridgeland, SC. A host of cousins including special cousins Delma Laurell and Sarah Fields both of New York.  Ruby, Evelyn, Rodgers and Zoey Taylor were dear to her heart. A special neighbor Cynthia Myers, Hampton, SC.