AULANDER, NC – Gertrude Grotz Conner, age 84, passed away on April 4, 2018 at the Ahoskie House of Ahoskie, NC.

Mrs. Conner was born in Teisnach, Germany on January 6, 1934, a daughter of the late Joseph and Anna Grotz.  Gertrude worked as a medical secretary for Roanoke Chowan Hospital for many years until her retirement in 1993.  Of her many hobbies, her favorite was knitting and she always had such a strong appreciation for her friends.  Gertrude was a faithful member of Aulander Baptist Church and eagerly volunteered in all church functions.

Besides her parents, Gertrude was preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.

Left to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Judith Ann Conner Duke and husband, Richard, and Shirley Conner White and husband, Thomas, of Aulander, NC; her son, Randor Conner Jr. and wife, Sheila, of Newport News, VA; two grandsons, Richard Conner, USMC, Fort Leonard Wood, MO and wife, Jennifer, and Justin Conner and special friend, Shelby, of Williamsburg, VA; a granddaughter, Elana McFal and husband, Devon, of Hinesville, GA; and a sister, Maria of Dortmund, Germany.  Also surviving is her sister-in-law, Louetta Thigpen of Beulaville, NC; a great grandson, Richard Conner, Jr.; a great granddaughter, Emmalyne Conner; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm at the Aulander Baptist Church, Aulander, NC, with Rev. Jimmy Blythe, officiating. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church from 1:00 pm until 1:45 pm prior to services.  An inurnment service will follow at Aulander Cemetery.

Because of Gertrude’s love and devotion to her church, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made directly to Aulander Baptist Church, P.O. Box 220, Aulander, NC, 27805, or you may donate online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search; then type Gertrude Conner.

Garret-Sykes Aulander Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Conner family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.