Gertie Mae (Gardner) Young

Gertie Mae Gardner Young

Gertie Mae Gardner Young was called from labor to reward on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at her home surrounded by her family.   Gertie was born to the late Essie Mae and Matthew Gardner on October 25, 1935 in Savannah, GA.  Gertie was raised by her grandparents the late Pauline and Louis Ross in Beaver Falls.  She is survived by her brother Matthias, (Josephine) Gardner in Cartersville, GA.  Gertie was a graduate of Beaver Falls High School in 1955.   Gertie married her high school sweetheart the late Rev. John E. Young, Jr (Bubba).    To this union nine children were born and survive;  Brenda Young (Ronald)  McBryde, Carolyn Young (Herman) Boler, Gayle Young, Candy Young, Deborah Young  Hood, Joann Young, Angelia Young Brown, Stephanie Young (Scott) Gibson, John E. (Shannon)Young.   Gertie was very proud of her 18 grandchildren; Ronda (Brian) Ortiz, Keli McBryde (deceased), Ronald McBryde Jr. (deceased) Ronald B.J. McBryde, Gerren McBryde, Carl Boler, Chad (Nicole) Boler, Carson Boler, Stefani Sanders, Mykele Young Sanders, Amber Hood, Matthew Gibson, Zachary Gibson, Stephan Gibson, John Young IV, Alex Young, Joshua Young, Savannah Young.  Great grandchildren include Zara McBryde, and Mila Boler.  She is survived by a host of cousins, in laws, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Gertie had several careers in her lifetime she was the proud founder of the African American Folk History Organization that recognized achievements of African Americans in the Beaver County Community.  Gertie was very industrious and in high school she worked at Providence Hospital and Murphils Cleaners.  She was the first crossing guard for White Twp. in the Big Beaver Falls Area School District.  She was a custodian at the Geneva Hill and Steffin Hill Elementary Schools.  She returned later as a Teacher’s Aide in Central School, South School, Koppel School, and Big Beaver School.     She enjoyed reading and music and worked at Logos Bookstore and brought African American Gospel Music and artist awareness into the community.  She worked at Marantha Bookstore, and Community Youth Alliance (CYA).   Gertie was a very well-known pianist and music teacher in the area and was in demand for her ministry, while singing at churches, funerals and community services.   She was a board member for the Beaver County Historical Society and was instrumental in placing historical placards on various properties. 

In her last years of life she enjoyed her dream job at the Beaver County Courthouse as Tipstaff for the Honorable Judge George James for several years.    She faithfully continued to serve as a Church Mother at Bible Way Church of God In Christ, New Castle, PA.  This is the church where her husband Pastored for 19 Years and her son John E. Young, III currently serves as Pastor.  She served as President of the Erie District Churches of God In Christ, Mother’s Board.

Visitation will take place on Friday, August 2 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a memorial service from 7 – 9 p.m. at Christ Temple Church of God In Christ, 2420 Ninth Avenue,  Beaver Falls.   Homegoing services will be Saturday, August 3 with viewing from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and services starting at 10am at Bible Way Church of God In Christ, 125 N. Crawford Avenue, New Castle, PA 

Arrangements being entrusted to Hill & Kunselman Funeral Home, Beaver Falls, PA. www.hillandkunselman.com.  Memorial contributions can be made to Bible Way Church of God In Christ, 125 N. Crawford Avenue, New Castle, PA.

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