Gertrude Petty, 1920-2007

Published Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Gertrude May Petty, 87, of Columbia passed away Saturday, July 28, 2007, at her home.

A memorial gathering will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, at Memorial Funeral Home. A private burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Gertrude was born Feb. 10, 1920, in Boone County, the daughter of Virgil and Leila Boothe Stapleton. She was a graduate of Fredrick Douglass High School.

She was a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church. She was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, her family and was known for her peach cobbler. She had an infectious laugh. She was generous and very loving.

She married William Petty Sr., who preceded her in death in August 1981.

She is survived by two daughters, Wanda Coats and husband Clarence Sr. of Columbia and Mary Hickem of Columbia; sister Betty J. Porter and husband Clarence of Columbia; four grandchildren, Monique Thompson, Mion Powell and husband Robert and David Wayne Hickem Jr., all of Columbia, and Clarence Coats Jr. of Miami Lakes, Fla.; three great-grandchildren, Alon Powell, Jae Powell and Camerin Powell of Columbia; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, William Petty Jr., in July 1979, three brothers and three sisters.

Online tributes may be left at www.memorialfuneralhomean dcemetery.com.