Gertrude Kilpatrick

    Gertrude Raper Kilpatrick, 86, of Murphy, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, Jan. 15, 2021.
    She was born in Cherokee County on June 18, 1934, to the late James and Lourina Raper.
    Gertrude was a founding member of River Valley Baptist Church in Murphy. She was also a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and a lifelong resident of Cherokee County. She was an avid gardener who loved beautiful flowers and quilting. One of her greatest joys was taking care of children.
    In addition to her parents, Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, William Howard Kilpatrick; brothers, Marcus, Tom, Wendell, Horace, Hoyt, Pearly, Goldman and Guy Raper; and two sisters, Lillian Allen and Dorothy Webster.
    Gertrude is survived by a son, Rex Kilpatrick and wife Beverly; and two daughters, Helen and Polly Kilpatrick; three brothers, Truman, Charles and Henry Raper; and six sisters, Maggie Stiles, Louise Davenport, Irene Mathis, Reba Davis, Mary Long and Marie Nations. Gertrude is also survived by a precious granddaughter, Hannah Kilpatrick; many nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
    A private family funeral was held Tuesday, Jan. 19, at River Valley Baptist Church. The Revs. Eric Nations, Joe Long and Daniel Webster officiated. Music was conducted by Tim Nicholson. Burial followed in the church cemetery.  Pallbearers were Matthew, Luke, Jerry and Jeff Raper, and Tim and Colby Davis.  Honorary pallbearers were all other nephews and great-nephews.
    The family received friends from noon-2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at River Valley Baptist Church.
    Family requests that masks be worn and social distancing procedures be observed during the visitation and service.
    You may send tributes to the Kilpatrick family at www.townson-rose.com.
    Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.