Gertha Clements Fambrough, age 81, formally of Vestavia went to live with the Lord Jan. 7, 2008. Gertha passed away in the arms of her loving family and under the care of hospice.

Gertha Clements Fambrough was born to the late James and Mattie Lou Clements, July 3, 1926, in Brompton. She graduated in 1944 from St. Clair County High School in Odenville.

Gertha attended Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham and majored in business and computer-related studies. During her post-secondary education, she was tapped to be a member of Phi Theta Kappa in 1979.

Gertha was a committed and loving mother, survived by her children Donald Kerr of Chula Vista, Mark Lovell of Mt. Olive, Renee Clayton of Destin, Fla. and Elizabeth Boyer of Middletown, Del.

Grandchildren include Sonya Payne, Christy Moncrieff, Dewayne Kerr, Lee Clayton, Laura Clayton, Liam Boyer and Logan Boyer and five great-grandchildren.

She is survived by the following siblings: Iva Palmer, Peter Clements and Fannie Lou Riddle.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Incy “Pete” Fambrough and the following siblings: Luther, Dewey, Cleaston, Odell,

J.R. “Doc”, Gene, and Wallace Clements.

Gertha married the late I.A. “Pete” Fambrough in 1977, and the couple resided in Moody and Shelby, except for the years of 1979-1987, when they lived in Cocoa Beach, Fla.

Gertha spent the majority of her life as an Alabama resident and lived in the following counties: St. Clair, Shelby and Jefferson.

Gertha was a dedicated employee and chose to work in sales and office management. Her work history included the following: Alfa Insurance (Moody), United Fence and Awning (Cocoa, Fla.) and Clayton Rehab (Alabaster).

During her lifetime, she was an active member of the following churches: Bethel Baptist Church, Sanie Baptist Church, Moody United Methodist Church, Merritt Island United Methodist Church, Wilsonville United Methodist Church and Siluria Baptist Church.

Gertha was active with the United Methodist Women’s Club, Eastern Star, The Red Hat Society and Shelby Medical Center Auxillary. Gertha loved to travel with her family and the senior travel club. She took numerous trips to various regions of the United States, Canada and Caribbean.

Gertha was born just prior to the Great Depression Era. From this period of hardship, she obtained an inner strength that helped her remain resound and fearless in the face of adversity.

She was fond of the expression, “I look on situations with depression eyes.” Gertha was a woman of great faith, and she held on to her hope for the future. Her legacy to her children was love of family, faith in God and the tenacity to accomplish goals.

Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10 and the funeral was at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 11 at Bolton Letlow Funeral Home in Columbian. Burial followed at Pinelawn Gardens Cemetery in Columbiana