Gertie Mae Charles-Smith, age 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at her home in Desoto, TX. Gertie was born on October 8, 1940 in New Orleans, LA to the late William Charles, Jr. and Harriet (Charles) Paul. She was a graduate of McDonogh 35 and went on to attend Dillard University. Gertie spent 53 years in her career as a devoted nurse. She lived her life to the fullest, enjoying time with her children, grandchildren and her Mardi Gras Crews. Gertie is survived by her siblings, Lois Scott, Althea Green, Pamela Charles, Linda Fontenot, William Charles, Michael Charles, Kenneth Charles and Alton Fontenot; daughters, Leslie Saulny, Judith Jenkins, Selina Smith, Curry Pierce, and Kally Pierce; son, Ernest Perkins III; sixteen grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Gertie is also preceded in death by her grandmother, Julia Gail Robinson; grandfather, Reverend Willie Robinson; stepmother, Ophelia Charles; brother, Lionel Charles; stepfather, Alvin Paul, Jr.; daughter, Sunny Gail Smith; and son, Lester John Smith, III. A funeral service honoring the life of Gertie Mae Charles-Smith will be held in the Chapel of Charbonnet Labat Glapion Funeral Home, 1615 St. Philip Street New Orleans, LA 70116 on Friday, August 7, 2020 at 10 a.m. As mandated by the State of Louisiana due to the COVID 19 pandemic, attendees are limited. Everyone in attendance will be required to adhere to all restrictions. You must wear a mask and practice social distancing. Interment: Morning Star Baptist Church Cemetery, Raceland, LA. Visitation 9 a.m. in the chapel.