Gertrude Overstreet

Sister Gertrude Overstreet, 77 departed this life peacefully on Monday, August 16, 2021, at home at 9:18pm surrounded by family. Gertrude was born on June 8, 1944, in Crawfordsville, Arkansas to the union of the late Mr. Willie and Trudie Overstreet. Gertrude professed a faith in GOD and accepted the LORD Jesus Christ early in her life at a very young age.

Gertrude received her education in West Memphis, Arkansas. She later relocated to Urbana, IL in 1963 with her family. She became a member of the Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church under leadership of Pastor Salvage and later became under Pastor Keith Thomas. She song in the choir and have served on some committee boards. She was a part of the Women of Purpose Group. Gertrude maintained a strong faith in GOD throughout her life and transition.

Gertrude wore many hats throughout her beautiful life and in her fashion statement. She worked in retail sales for many years and later retired from Bergner’s.

Gertrude was full of love and life. She loved to fellowship with family and friends and had a special love for ALL her grandchildren.  She was a great cook by nature. She bestowed home cooked meals, one of a kind baked goods from scratch. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, dancing, and attending her book club. Most will agree she was the life of “THE HOWELL’S Family reunions. To know her was to love her. Gertrude enjoyed the fellowship with “THE CREW” on Sundays after church. They will enjoy trying out different restaurants and share plenty of stories and laughter. Gertrude was the most giving and selfless person you could meet. She would open her home up to anyone that needed a place to stay. She was loyal to all family and friends and was always a phone call away If needed.

Getrude was a woman who was loved by so many. She had a smile and personality that would light up the world. She was best known and will be remembered by many names Momma, Gert, Momma Gert, Mother-in-love, Grandma, TeTe and Baby. She was also best known to be EVERYONE’S Favorite Auntie by many of her beautiful nieces.

Gertrude worked overtime in her life and now she has entered a long-awaited rest. Mouring her loss yet rejoicing in her purposeful life she shared with the late John Pursley Sr is their amazing sons, John Pursley Jr (Jacqueline) of Champaign, IL, Kenneth Pursley (Virginia) of Springfield, IL, Eric Pursley of Champaign, IL Cory Pursley (Dana) of Danville, IL. and a special friend Mr. James (AL) Hall.

Gertrude leaves to cherish her memories 3 sisters, Jeddie Mae Towns (Memphis TN), Eva Merriweather (Georgia)Callie Dyer (Champaign, IL). 3 brothers Jimmie McDonald Sr (Champaign, IL), Willie Brent (Champaign, IL), Ollie Overstreet (Dalla Texas), 2 beautiful GOD sent angels her nieces (Gwen and Lois) Jordan of Milwaukee. Gertrude also has 21 Grandkids, 25 Great Grandkids a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as she gained a beautiful, blended daughter Cynthia Pratt through the late Mr. Howard Pratt. She was proceeded in death by 2 sisters Irene Williams and Neddie Marshall, 1 brother Roosevelt Overstreet, 1 Grandson Travon Pursley and 1 Great Grandson Jaheen Pursley.

A Homegoing Celebration will commence at 12:00 Noon on August 25, 2021 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 1215 W. Bradley Ave, Urbana. A visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of the service.

Due to covid19 masks will be enforced.

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