Gertie Pearl Blackmon, 89, a long time resident of Pearl, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at her daughter’s home in D'Lo. The family will receive friends Monday, July 22, 2024, beginning at 11:00am, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. A celebration of life will begin at 1:00pm with burial to follow at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Pearl.
Gertie was born in Sunflower County, Mississippi on February 7, 1935 to the late James Clinton Spears and Lara Icy Spears. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Johnny Edley Spears, Gladys Mae Hannah, Ellie Jay Tascher, Netta Faye Brewer, and James Wallace Spears
She lost the love of her life, Erbie Dee Moore, unexpectedly in 1987. They had a love like none other, as it transcended nearly 37 years here on earth. She did find love again and remarried Dallas Blackmon, who also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her daughter, Anita (James) Lovett; daughter, Patsy (John) Veazey; son Eddie (Angie) Moore; granddaughters Haley (Tyler) Brown and Heather Lovett; grandsons Hayden Moore, Landon Moore, Tanner Moore; great grandchildren Cody Burnham, Brady Burnham, Brodee Burnham, Makayla Plum, and AJ Plum.
She and Erbie owned Rankin County Meat Processing for over two decades. They enjoyed family, friends, and life “on the hill” in Carthage when they weren’t running their business in Pearl. They also made many memories throughout the bluegrass circuit, attending festivals with friends. In her retirement years, she made quite the career as a Mary Kay Director. She achieved many titles, awards, and even a few cars during her tenure with Mary Kay. The last decade of her life she spent in the little town of Dlo. She volunteered at Simpson General Hospital, by passing out refreshments and joy to the patients and staff there.
If Jesus had a sister, her name is Gertie. She was a true servant of the Lord. She was an active member of Christian Life Church in Magee where she ministered to church members, and the neighboring community. She loved Jesus and led a life that showed it. Her Christ-like spirit will forever be her biggest legacy.
If you knew “Ma Gert”, you knew a few things. Her greatest gift in life was her family. She never had a bad word to say about anyone. She could carry on a conversation with a fencepost, and it would probably listen. Nothing compares to a good bluegrass hymn. Red birds are signs from loved ones above. Her biscuits were a staple and she always had enough. There’s nothing better than Diet Mt Dew and fancy ice cream. She had a way with words that affectionately become known as Gertisms.
You will be hard pressed to find anyone that did not love her. Everyone ought to have a Ma Gert in their life. Her family and friends are forever grateful they did. She will be missed tremendously.
