Gertrude Orr Finch, age 101, of Wallace died peacefully at her home on Monday, January 10, 2011. She was born on April 14, 1909 in Rocky Mount, NC. Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents Isaac and Mary Orr, her husband George W. Finch, and her ten brothers and sisters. She greatly valued education. Gertrude received her B.S. in Home Economics from East Carolina College and in 1958, she was awarded her Master of Arts in Elementary Education also from East Carolina. Gertrude began her professional life by working as the Home Demonstration Agent in Pender, Nash, and Northampton counties. In both Bunn, NC and Bailey, NC, Gertrude taught Home Economics. Upon moving to Wallace in 1947, Gertrude began teaching at Wallace Elementary School where she remained until her retirement in 1974. As an active member of First Baptist Church of Wallace, Gertrude lived out the faith that so defined her life. She faithfully served as a member of the Diaconate, and she was named Deacon Emeritus in 1998. Gertrude was very active with the Women's Missionary Union (WMU). In addition, she participated in a mission trip to Brazil and she also served on various committees through the years. Her spirit of service extended to her community. Gertrude held various offices in the Wallace Woman's Club. She was active in the Camellia Garden Club and the Wallace Book Club. She also devoted her time to the Retired Teachers Association and Delta Kappa Gamma, an international honor society for teachers. For her work in the community, Gertrude was recognized as Duplin County's Senior Citizen Volunteer of the year in 1984. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. At the age of 93, Gertrude enrolled in James Sprunt Community College to learn how to use a computer. In 2008 she wrote her memoir, \"Reminiscing About Family.\" Gertrude is survived by her son George W. Finch, Jr. and wife Elizabeth of Wilmington; her granddaughters Beth Katz and husband Adam of Wilmington, and Georgia Westbrook and husband Anthony of Winterville; her great-grandchildren, Sarah, Emily, and Andrew Katz and Grace Westbrook; and several special nieces and nephews. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. . Pallbearers will be John Gaddy, Kent Vinson, Randy Avent, Tim Smith, Donald Flowers and Jimmy Dunn. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Diaconate of First Baptist Church of Wallace. The family would like to thank Dr. Daniel Ricci of Wallace, NC and Dr. Timothy Winslow of Wilmington, NC for their professional excellence and compassionate care. The family also wishes to extend our heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation for the love and care Gertrude received from Joyce Barnes, Arlethea Newkirk, Jean Blanchard and Vivian Pickett. In addition, the family greatly appreciates the guidance and attention given by the Lower Cape Fear Hospice.