Gertie Gray (Rodgers) Lewis

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Gertie Rodgers Lewis, a beacon of knowledge and inspiration whose legacy will forever endure in the hearts and minds of those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her. Born December 28, 1940 in Martin County, NC, she was the third oldest of eight children. Her proud parents were the late HD “Pooster” and Bessie Rodgers.

Reared in a wholesome environment, Gertie saw a need for Christ in her life and joined the Cedar Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she ushered, served as a pastor’s steward and supported all programs for the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Gertie attended the public schools in Martin County, NC and graduated from EJ Hayes High School in 1957. Having a desire to advance herself, she matriculated at Fayetteville State University and earned a degree in Elementary Education and also acquired a Master’s in Administration Degree from Georgetown University. While attending FSU, she was initiated into the Delta Xi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and remained active in the Rocky Mount Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta until her demise. Additionally, she was a member of the Edgecombe/Nash County Fayetteville State University Alumni Chapter, and NARFE, National Active and Retired Federal Employees, where she served as Past Vice President. While at FSU, she met the love of her life, Bobby Lewis, who would become her husband of fifty-five years.

Gertie was a very outspoken person who stood on her word, belief, and faith. She was an extraordinary and generous giver to those who were less fortunate. She loved education as she would often boast about having taught school in Martin County and the District of Columbia Public Schools for a combined total of 47 years. Even after all those dedicated years, she still tutored countless students as she just adored seeing children doing well. She instilled not only academic excellence but also values of integrity, kindness, and perseverance. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Gertie loved her family and her generosity did not go unnoticed. She had a way of “privately” slipping love tokens to us, which would eventually become “not so private.” All that she did was done out of love. We will miss the many gatherings on holidays where we never failed to get together whether at one of our homes or at the beach. We have such fond memories of her time with us which will continue to sustain us as we finish our time here on earth. We thank God for His daughter Gertie Rodgers Lewis whom He shared with us. Though she may no longer walk among us, her influence will continue to resonate in the lives of those she touched. We are forever grateful for her contributions in life and will carry her memory in our hearts. On Saturday, February 17, 2024, Gertie Rodgers Lewis transitioned from labor to reward at Nash General Hospital in Rocky Mount, NC.

In addition to her parents, Gertie Rodgers Lewis was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby R. Lewis; brother, James “Tip” Rodgers; sisters, Sadie Rodgers Crews and Gloria Rodgers Williams.

To cherish her memories she leaves her two sons, Derrick R. Lewis (Kelli) of Windsor Mill, MD and Cedric R. Lewis (Tiffany) of Bowie, MD; five grandchildren, Derrick Jr., Kyree, Jacey, Cedric Jr., and Cara; three great grandchildren; two brothers, Warren Chester Rodgers (Faith) of Baltimore, MD and HD Rodgers, Jr of Rocky Mount, NC; two sisters, Barbara Little and Betsy R. Wallace (Reginald) of Williamston, NC; brother and sister in law, Robert and Barbara Millhouse of Sanford, NC; brother-in-law, Ronnie Armstrong of Charlotte, NC; several nieces, nephews, dear cousins, good neighbors, sorority sisters and friends.

Live streaming of the memorial service will be provided by accessing Manson Mortuary’s website (mansonmortuary.com); clicking onto Ms. Gertie Gray Rodgers Lewis’s obituary page, and following the instructions at the bottom of that page.