The funeral services for the late Mrs. Gertrude Tuckes of 164 Georgia Avenue, Ashburn, Georgia, who departed this life on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at her residence, will be held on Monday, December 27, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. from the Bethlehem Baptist Church in Ashburn, Georgia. Burial will follow in the Westview Memorial Cemetery in Ashburn, Georgia. Services may be viewed Facebook Live from the "Shipps Funeral Home" Facebook page or by clicking the Video Stream link on the Home Page.

Mrs. Gertrude Bell Tuckes was born April 22, 1928 in Rockford, Alabama to the late Mr. and Mrs. William and Mary Bell. She was the youngest of seven children.

Finishing grade school and starting her career in cooking and caregiving, Gertrude also worked hard in the fields to provide for her family. Gertrude was nurtured in the Word of God at a young age. She became a devoted member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in 1959, serving as a member of the Kitchen Committee and the Usher Board, among other auxiliaries. She was also named Mother Of The Church.

Gertrude was a loving, hardworking, and caring woman. She brightened the day for anyone who encountered her. She always had a great attitude and the most comforting words.

Our esteemed Gertrude Tuckes was called to her Heavenly Home on Sunday, December 19, 2021, passing peacefully in her sleep. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Adams, her six brothers, Central Bell, Reverend O. M. Bell, William Bell, Rupert Bell, James Bell, Leroy Bell, and a sister, Molly Vernes.

Gertrude is survived in life by her loving daughter, Della (Duncan) Madison of Ashburn, Georgia; her six grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and seven great great grandchildren; her devoted nephew, Reverend Jo (Betty) Penn of New York; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.