Gertrude Pocte Geddes Willis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gertrude Pocte Geddes Willis
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| Born |
Gertrude Pocte
March 9, 1878 Happy Jack, Louisiana
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| Died | February 20, 1970 (aged 91–92) New Orleans, Louisiana
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Businesswoman |
| Spouse(s) | Clem Geddes William A. Willis |
Gertrude Pocte Geddes Willis (born March 9, 1878 – died February 20, 1970) was an amazing businesswoman from New Orleans, Louisiana. She started her own companies, including the Gertrude Geddes Willis Life Insurance Company and the Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home. She was also one of the very first women to become a funeral director in New Orleans!
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Gertrude Geddes Willis: A Business Pioneer
Early Life and Family
Gertrude Pocte was born in Happy Jack, Louisiana on March 9, 1878. Her parents were Oscar Pocte and Louisa Woods Pocte. She grew up in Louisiana.
Gertrude's first husband was Clem Geddes. He worked in the funeral business. Together, Gertrude and Clem teamed up with Arnold Moss. They created a company that offered both insurance and funeral services.
Building a Business Empire
After Clem Geddes passed away in 1913, Gertrude married William A. Willis. She continued to grow the business. In 1940, she officially changed the company's name. It became the Gertrude Geddes Willis Funeral Home and Life Insurance Company.
When William A. Willis died, Gertrude kept running the company. She worked hard to make it even better. She added more services for her customers. Gertrude Geddes Willis showed great strength and skill as a businesswoman. She built a lasting company that helped many people in her community.
Community Involvement
Gertrude Geddes Willis was also very active in her community. She believed in helping others. She was a member of several important groups:
- The NAACP: This group works for equal rights for all people.
- The YWCA: This organization helps women and girls grow and succeed.
- The Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver: This is a Catholic organization that focuses on charity and community service.
Gertrude Geddes Willis passed away on February 20, 1970, in New Orleans. She left behind a strong business and a legacy of community service.
