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The Obituary

Gertrude, affectionately known by her family as "Sis," was born on May 19, 1947, in Gaffney, South Carolina. Early morning Saturday, June 5, God called his faithful servant Gertrude N. Clemons home to rest for eternity. She completed her life's journey at Carolina Caring Hospice

of Catawba County in Newton, NC.

She graduated from Newbold High School in 1965 and soon after married the love of her life Carlee Clemons. They worked together to build a home in Maiden, NC where together they proudly raised four children. While raising her family, Gertrude pursued her education and earned an associate degree from Catawba Valley Community College.

She retired from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments after 33 years of exceptional service. She worked her way from clerk to Director of Section 8 Housing. She led a staff that worked to help people within a four-county region achieve decent, safe, and sanitary housing through several Section 8 assistance programs.  During that time, she held multiple leadership roles in the Southeast Regional Housing Association including board director and board chair.

She was a faithful member of New Hope Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, served as an usher and wherever else she was needed. Later she transferred her membership to Maiden Chapel where she continued to sing, serve and enjoy activities with other senior members of

the church. For many years she was an active member of the Hickory National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), where she served in a variety of leadership roles.

Gertrude was a sweet and proud Christian woman whose smile instantly warmed your heart. She always said "Bless you" whether saying hello or good-bye. Among her favorite list was working in her yard and indulging in sweets. She loved God and her family dearly and supported their every interest while always demanding excellence. She was always willing to

share and if she could be of help to anyone in need, she was willing.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Carlee Clemons and her father John Elliott Norris.

Gertrude was the oldest of her siblings. She leaves to cherish beautiful memories her mother, Willie Mae Norris of Shelby, NC; four children, Veronica Cheryl Clemons of Charlotte, Carlyton Clemons (Wendy) of Rolesville, NC, Deirdra Hawkes (Audwin) of Wake Forest, NC, and Chiriga Clemons of Maiden; Four grandchildren, Carlee Clemons of Knoxville, TN, Christopher Clemons of Houston, TX, Jessica Clemons of Rolesville, NC and Kerrington Williams of Wake Forest, NC; and one great grandson, Caiden Clemons of Knoxville, TN; Siblings, Betty Davis (James) of Fayetteville, GA, Johnny (Denise) Norris of Rochester, NY, Arthur (Ida) Norris of Fort Worth, TX, Gloria (Meddie) Lawrence of Lawndale, NC, Carla (Roger) McDow of Weddington, NC, Earl

(Elois) Norris, Joe (Shanda) Norris, Charles (Samantha) Norris, Annette (Ernie) Gentry and Brenda (Thomas) Crawford all of Shelby, NC and Diane Norris of Gaffney, SC. Gertrude also considers herself a Clemons and has loved dearly her sisters and brothers in-law and other family members. She also has a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

who will continue to remember her sweet spirit.