Gertha Menefee

Gertha Menefee Obituary Gertha Menefee was born on July 3, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Learnest and Leola Menefee. She was a proud graduate of East Tech High School Class of 1962. Gertha earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from The Ohio State University in 1966 and obtained a Master of Business Administration from Cleveland State University in 1986. Gertha assumed the pivotal role of matriarch within her immediate family. Gertha maintained close ties with a multitude of friends, family, and distant relatives, frequently visiting them during family reunions and retirement celebrations. She hosted annual celebrations in her home, embodying the spirit of “family first.” Whether commemorating Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, Gertha dedicated herself to the meticulous purchase, planning, and preparation of each festive occasion. Gertha joined St. Paul AME Zion Church at an early age, under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Fuller. She was a devoted member and actively contributed to the usher and steward boards, budget, finance, and building fund committees. Additionally, she served as the church treasurer. Her dedication to these responsibilities highlighted her steadfast support for the church’s operational and financial components, reflecting her deep sense of devotion to the spiritual and practical well-being of the congregation. In addition to her commitment to her immediate family and church community, Gertha showed unwavering dedication and support to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She was initiated into the Epsilon chapter on October 31, 1964, at The Ohio State University. Following graduation, she returned to Cleveland and actively participated in the Greater Cleveland Alumnae Chapter, holding the office of treasurer for many years. She was a Diamond Life member of the organization and most recently served as a board member of the Greater Cleveland Delta Foundation Life Development Center. Reflecting her profound appreciation for educational development. Gertha embraced life fully, incorporating her passions for bowling, line dancing, and travel! Her love for travel inspired her to become a travel consultant with American Travel/Eurosavers. During her leisure time Gertha spent many hours rehearsing line dances with Robert Johnson Jr., as a Senior Line Dancer. Her love for music and dance led her to the Cleveland Playhouse Square where she faithfully volunteered many hours as a Red Coat Usher. Gertha retired from National City Bank in 2010, as a Portfolio Specialist. Her diverse roles included Private Investment Advisor and Trust Operations (2001), Tax/Trust Operation (1999), Cost/Corporate Accountant (1998), Sales Auditor (1997), and Travel Consultant (1996). Prior to her banking career, she served as Accounts Payable Manager/Budgeting and Forecasting Manager at Curtis Industries (1973), a Teacher for the Cleveland Board of Education (1969-1973), and the United States Peace Corps (1966-1968) which led her to reside in Ghana and Europe. Classy, full of energy, generous, patient and kind are just some of the acronyms that describe Gertha. Poised with an inner beauty that demonstrated to others how to live a vibrant, fruitful, and fulfilling life. Gertha was a spark of hope, always caring, giving, compassionate and kind. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Gertha was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, David L. Menefee, William Menefee, and Clifford Menefee. She is survived by Uncle David C. Menefee (Evelyn); sisters Frances Hooks, Leatrice Cox, and Annie Menefee; brothers Ernest Menefee, Edward Kamal, and Herman Menefee, sister-in-law Elizabeth Menefee, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sorority sisters and friends. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gertha Menefee, please visit our floral store. Read More

Gertha Menefee

July 3, 1944 - December 3, 2023