Gertrude Nevanah Taylor, 80, of South Charleston, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 9, 2020.

She was born on March 25, 1940 in Winona, to the late Arthur and Helena Miller-Close.

Affectionately known as "Gertie", she began her career in housekeeping at Thomas Memorial Hospital in 1958. While still working, she attended West Virginia State College and earned her degree in nursing. Gertie then became an LPN on 2 Front and ended her 46 year journey on 2 North. She was honored as Nurse of the Year in 1991 and Employee of the Year in 1994.

She was an avid crossword puzzle worker , she loved the word of God, shopping, riding and cooking with her sisters, Cleo and Berkie. Gertie loved spending time with her family, especially during annual family Christmas dinners and gatherings.

Gertie was a loyal and devoted member of Ohio Street Full Gospel Church of God in South Charleston for 14 years. She loved the worship services, prayer meetings and her loving church family. Gertie was a faithful volunteer and whatever her hands found to do, she did it willingly.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Taylor Sr.; son, Melvin Taylor Jr.; sisters, Jennifer Cole and Clara Jean Burks; and granddaughter, Mary Jean Choice.

Gertie is survived by her daughters, Debbie Choice of South Charleston, Trina Beverly (Kenneth Daniels Sr.) of South Charleston, Prophetess Tara Thompson (Prophet Brian Thompson) of Charleston, Debra Taylor of Denver, CO; special son, Charles Smith of Nitro; sister, Elder Cleo Brown (Elder Arthur Brown Sr.) of Dunbar; brothers, Lonnie Sherman Close (Jane) of Rialto, CA, Charles Close of Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Eric Choice of South Charleston, Adeanis Taylor of Denver, CO, Nya Taylor of Denver, CO, Naya Taylor of Denver, CO, Jermaine Taylor of Denver, CO, Warren "Tiger" Beverly Jr. (Amanda Adams) of South Charleston, Kenneth "Scoot" Daniels Jr., of South Charleston, Katrina Daniels of Charleston and William Taylor-Smith (Victoria) of Montana; great-granddaughter, Erica Choice of South Charleston; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, her church family and close friends.

A public walk through visitation will be held from 12 to 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, at Ohio Street Full Gospel Church of God, South Charleston. A private family service will follow at the church, with Pastor Rick Tobia officiating .

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.