Gertie (Harps) Small

Mother Gertie Harps Small, affectionately known as “BeBe” departed this earthly life on Thursday morning, September 14, 2017 at the McLeod Hospice House, Florence, South Carolina.  She was born on January 6, 1933 to the late Benjamin Harps Sr. and the late Lucille Johnson.  Gertie attended the public schools of Marion County, South Carolina.

She was employed at Heritage Sportswear, Marion, South Carolina.  After Heritage Sportswear Plant closed, she became a very dedicated foster parent.  She started fostering in 1976 and her last foster child was placed in her home in 1999.  She retired in 2000.  There has been numerous children that have been nurtured and raised in the home of Mother Gertie Small.  She was truly a God sent servant that served her duty well as a foster parent.  Most and many of these children have grown up to become very intelligent and prosperous adults.

Mother Gertie was a dedicated member of the Bethel United Methodist Church where she served diligently until her illness.

She was preceded in death by her four sisters: Maude Esther (Howard) Williams, Telatha (Harry) Gerald, Fannie Harps and Ruby Harps Bethea; two brothers: Jerome (Mary) Harps and Albert Lee Harps; a brother-n-law: Roosevelt Paul Sr.

Those left with loving memories of Mother Gertie Small ~ one daughter: Carrie  “Shelby” McCrae of Darlington, SC; four sons: Daryl (Sharron) Crowner of Marion, SC, Christopher Small of Lumberton, NC, Brian Small and Julian Small both of the home; one brother: Benjamin Harps of Norfolk, VA; one sister: Lucille Harps Paul of Oxon Hill, MD; six grandchildren: Marcus, Kendric, Kendall, Tonya, Chanell, Kearra; three great grandchildren: Jamari, Kylar and Karston and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and many, many friends.

 Service Information