Born in Rutherford, NC, she was a daughter of the late Lonnie and Geneva Higgins Crane. She was a member of Sharon Pentecostal Holiness Church. Gert loved the Lord and her family with all her heart, she enjoyed going to church, teaching Sunday School, gardening, canning, and daily exercise. She believed in hard work and was always willing to help others. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who had an intricate role in spending as much time as she could with her family, including weekly Sunday dinners after church. Due to her strong faith and Godly wisdom many approached her for prayer and to acquire her guidance, support, and encouragement.  She also worked for many years as a seamstress at Tavern Sportswear of Hickory Tavern.

Surviving are a daughter, Martha Ann Eppley (Paul) of Laurens, a daughter-in-law, Sherry O’Dell of Ware Shoals, four grandchildren, Marie Taylor (Auggie), Michael O’Dell (April), Amanda O’Dell, and Jeremy O’Dell, nine great-grandchildren, and six great great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, a son Johnny O’Dell, two brothers Clarence and Russell Crane, and a sister, Ruby Sager.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday February 17, 2025 at Parker-White Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Alex Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.

The family is at the home of her daughter and will receive friends from 1 to 2 PM on Monday at Parker-White Funeral Home, Ware Shoals, prior to the service. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com