GERTRUDE McCLINTOCK, COCOA BEACH Gertrude Inez Gurley McClintock, 83, of Cocoa Beach and Oxford, AL, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, November 10, 2008. Gertrude died at Stringfellow Hospital in Anniston, AL, from complications of congestive heart failure.

Survivors include a son, Darius G. McClintock and his wife Gail of Gilbert, AZ; a daughter, Deborah J. McClintock Archer and her husband Steve of Seminole, FL; sister, Polly Williams of Talladega, AL; grandson, Matthew Justin McClintock of Brandon, FL, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Willie Neal "Bill" McClintock; her parents, Rosia and John Gurley; her four brothers and three of her four sisters.

Gertrude was born on September 21, 1925, in Talladega County, AL. She graduated from Talladega High School in 1945, and attended business school in Anniston. Later she took undergraduate studies at Rollins College, Brevard Campus, FL. She also studied Contract Law, Negotiations and Contract Administration. Gertrude met Bill after he served in World War II, and they were married on June 17, 1947.

She initially worked as a bookkeeper at Goldbergs Department store before being employed at Anniston Army Depot. After the family moved to Cocoa Beach in 1961, she became a Procurement Officer for the John F. Kennedy Space Center. Her career at NASA spanned from the Mercury missions to the Space Shuttle. During her distinguished career of over 33 years of government service she received numerous awards for her contributions to Americas Space Program, including the "Manned Flight Awareness Honoree" and "Manned Flight Launch (Shuttle) Honoree". She was a member of the United States Space Pioneers, NASA Alumni Association, and National Business Womens Association. She was also a member of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol and supported her husband in his many years of flying search and rescue missions.

Gertrude was a devote Christian who loved the church. She and her husband were founding members of the Cape Canaveral Baptist Mission, and were long time members of the First Baptist Church of Cocoa Beach. She taught Sunday Schools and church youth groups in Alabama and Florida throughout her life. Gertrude was a member of the group that started the Cocoa Beach Christian School and served on its school board for many years. Gertrude loved to read and enjoyed traveling in the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Middle East, visiting the Holy Lands three times.

Funeral services with Rev. Randy Huddleston (nephew) officiating, were held Saturday, November 15, at the Chapel of Miller Funeral Home in Oxford, AL. Graveside services and in ternment were held immediately following at the Eulaton Baptist Church Cemetery.

We shall never forget our beloved mother, sister, aunt and friend; a true woman of God. She was the hand that rocked the cradle, fed the needy, and touched the stars. The family wishes to thank family, friends and the medical community who gave their energy, love and prayers for their mothers care, and requests that memorial contributions be made to the Knight Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., 1000 E. State Parkway, Suite I, Schaumberg, IL 60173-4592, or www.knighttemlar.org. Personal condolences may be written to the family at www.millerfuneralhomeox ford.com.