Gertrude Cecil

Mrs. Gertrude Fritts Cecil, 90, of West Third Avenue, died Tuesday at the Hinkle Hospice House in Lexington after declining health. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, July 15, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church by the Revs. Kelley Groce, Dr. Jim Martin and Dr. Ray Howell, III. Burial will follow in the Lexington City Cemetery. Mrs. Cecil was born April 19, 1920 in Davidson County to Fred H. and Nancy McCrary Fritts. She was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She had also served on the Adminstrative Council, where she held the distinction of being the first women to preside over the board meeting, and was later named a honorary member. She also served her church in many capacities, such as the Altar Guild, the Evangelism Committee, the Mayme Weaver Preaching Mission, and was awarded a life membership in the United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Wesley Bible Class. She was awarded Life Memberships in the NC Congress of Parents and Teachers, and the Garden Club of North Carolina by the Fairview Garden Club. She also was an associate member of the Army Air Corps Enlisted Pilot Association, and of The Distinguished Flying Cross Association. She was a charter member of the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. Mrs. Cecil served on the 175th anniversary of Lexington Committee in 2003. Her husband, Ralph H. Cecil, whom she married on November 13, 1944, preceded her in death, as well as her brothers, John Fritts, and Kelvin Fritts, and her sisters, Ruby Fritts and Daphne Phelps. She is survived by her precious children, Libby Carol Cecil Alexander, and husband, Dr. Mike Alexander; and Fred Hillsman Cecil and wife, Dottie; her grandchildren, Daniel Cecil Alexander, Julia Carol Alexander, Benjamin Graves Cecil, Matthew Hillsman Cecil and Joseph Ralph Cecil; and her sister in law, Edna Fritts. The family will receive friends from 6:30 until 8:30 PM Wednesday at Davidson Funeral Home and other times at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington NC 27292 or to First United Methodist Church, Children’s or Music Ministries, 405 S. Main Street, Lexington NC 27292