My dearest mother, Gertrude Tyree, was an esteemed educator, dedicated community servant, loving wife, caring daughter, and very loyal friend. Although she was blessed to become a nonagenarian sadly, on March 6th, 2023, she unexpectedly transitioned from this life and joined her ancestors.

Her southern upbringing was manifested in her kind and generous demeanor, willingness to assist others, and profound dedication to her faith and her church. Raised as Harvey and Mamie’s only child, she exhibited independence, resoluteness, and a strong work ethic. All of those admirable qualities would greatly benefit her when at the behest of two dear childhood friends, Margaree Grigley and Jane LaCour, she moved north with them to Ohio, where she flourished.

During Gertrude’s 70 + years in Columbus, she met and married her beloved husband of 58 years, earned her college degree, made many deeply abiding friendships, became a life long Lutheran, joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., The Links Inc., and numerous social, philanthropic, and community organizations. 

Professionally, her principal focus was Early Childhood education. Accordingly, she dedicated her life to that pursuit. Her vision and efforts along with those of the other founders culminated in the establishment of Child Development Council of Franklin County, Inc aka (CDC Headstart). Over the years, the organization and its programs flourished, and there are now well over 30 CDC Headstart affiliated centers in Franklin County. Although Gertrude retired from CDCFC in 1996, she served on its board of trustees for well over a decade. 

Mrs. Tyree’s spirit of selfless giving mirrored that of her husband, Clifford. Together they sponsored Haitian and Namibian refugees, aided local UNCF endeavors, supported Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs, boosted Columbus Driving Park initiatives, and actively participated in many other philanthropic causes. Among those were Youth Service Guild, FACE, Urban Strings Columbus, and countless SPLC undertakings.

Gertrude’s steadfast commitment to her community and local charities resulted in her being recognized with commendations from former Governor John Kasich, Columbus City Council, former Lt. Governor Paul Leonard, former OhioTreasurer Mary Ellen Withrow, Metropolitan Democratic Women’s Club, former US Congressman Paul Gillmor, and former Ohio Senator Richard Pfeiffer. She also received awards from Sponsors of the Schomburg Library, DST, CCS, CDCFC, Links Inc, and numerous other organizations with which she was affiliated. Most notably, CDCFC bestowed upon her the singular distinction of naming one of their sites in her honor, G Tyree Learning Center.

St. Philip Lutheran Church proved to be the fulcrum of her faith based activities. Her association with it was lengthy, specifically, over 70 years. During those years, she proved to be a highly dedicated member, and subsequently, served on multiple church committees and willingly gave her time and talents to entities such as WELCA, WOTM and church council.  

Aside from her professional, community and faith based interests Gertrude also loved history, genealogy, books, art, theater, music, sports, travel, flora and canines, especially, Bubba.  Left to cherish and honor her memory and legacy is her loving son,  Clifford Jr., her devoted sisters and children in life, as well as, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and loyal friends.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider tendering a donation in her name to one or more of the following non profits: I Know I Can, Urban Strings Columbus, and Child Development Council of Franklin County, Inc.