Gertrude "Gerty" Armstrong

Gertrude Harris Armstrong, 79, joined the Lord in his eternal home on May 10, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina. She was born on August 10, 1945, in Covel, West Virginia to Gertrude Harris Carter Clements and Rev. James David Harris, Sr. Affectionately known as "Gertie," she was the seventh of nine children and raised alongside her siblings by their "Daddy" in Elmira, New York.
She was raised with an appreciation for learning; she was a voracious reader and loved historical fiction. Her sharp knowledge was often undefeated while watching one of her favorite television shows, "Jeopardy." Gertrude was a homebody at heart and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life such as a cup of black coffee, ice cream, or a piece of cake. She taught many to appreciate what's truly important in life: love, joy and the quiet moments.
Gertrude was known for her sharp wit, piercing honesty, and love of God. That call to service led Gertrude to found Naaman House, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing to homeless individuals living with HIV/AIDS. After retiring from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center as a medical transcriptionist, she spent much of her time traveling on cruises around the Caribbean and with family throughout the United States.
Gertrude is survived by her daughters, Malikah D'Asia and Denise Green; a son, Sharif Deveaux (April); and grandchildren, Tionna Banks, Chris King, Alicia Banks, Ayanna Green, Sharif Deveaux, Jr. and Anthem Deveaux.
She is also survived by her siblings, Mille Coleman, Shirley Ashford, Nzinga X "Duncan," Elizabeth "Liz" Martin; James D. Harris, Jr. (Julia), Victoria "Vicki" Robinson, Linda Penn, Brenda Price (Eric), and Belva Hill. She is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, a great-great grandson, nieces, nephews, and more family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, John Wesley Banks, Jr.; sisters, Margaret Sullivan and Eleanor Mae Ross; and a brother, Elijah Carter.
A celebration of life service will take place Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Cunningham Mortuary & Cremation, Inc. in Fayetteville, NC. The viewing will begin at noon where family will also receive friends and guests until the start of the service. The funeral home will accept flowers in her honor and memory in lieu of a burial.