Gertrude Raper Kilpatrick, age 86, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, January 15, 2021.
She was born in Cherokee County, North Carolina 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 life-long resident of Cherokee County. She was an avid gardener that 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 will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at River Valley Baptist Church. Reverend Eric Nations, Joe Long, and Daniel Webster will be officiating. Music will be conducted by Tim Nicholson. Burial will follow in church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Matthew, Luke, Jerry, and Jeff Raper, Tim and Colby Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be all other nephews and great-nephews.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 2:45 pm at River Valley Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 19, 2021.
Family requests that masks be worn and social distancing procedures be observed during the visitation and service.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
Pam Wojcik 
Sheridan Harley Dockery 
