Born on August 1, 1924, in Montgomery, Alabama, Gertrude Franklin was the daughter of the late William Franklin and Rosa Coleman.

At an early age she accepted Christ and served Him faithfully throughout her entire life.

After becoming educated within the Alabama Public School System and accepting Christ into her life, Gertrude moved north in the 1940s to LaGrange, Illinois and subsequently to Maywood.  She gained employment as a Packing Clerk within the Bindery Department of W.F. Hall Printing Company in Chicago, Illinois. Gertrude became a devoted member of Canaan A.M.E. Church for over 60 years. While she served the Lord faithfully in many capacities, her greatest happiness came from being a member of the Church Choirs, where she frequently performed solos. After retiring from Hall Printing in 1986, Gertrude continued to enjoy her church activities, traveling, shopping, and spending time with her family and friends.

When Gertrude became ill and unable to independently care for herself, family and friends looked after her while she resided at The Pearl of Hillside.  Gertrude was called to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.

Gertrude leaves to cherish her loving memory:  two sisters, Mary Savage, and Evelyn Coleman; her Goddaughter, Diane Carroll; her Godson, La Vonn "Jasper" Gilbert, Jr.; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; as well as her church family and dear friends.

Funeral Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 10:00am until time of service 11:00am at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, SW corner of Roosevelt & Mannheim Roads in Hillside. Interment Parkholm Cemetery in LaGrange Park. Info: 800-562-0082