Gertrude A. Wilson

Gertrude A.(Watts) Wilson, 86, of Providence , passed away on May 5, 2021 at Rhode Island Hospital, with family members at her side.

Gertrude “ Gert” was the eldest daughter of the late Russell P. Watts Sr. and the late Louise (Fitzgerald) Watts.  She was the former wife of the late Nathan Wilson Jr.

Gert attended the Providence Public Schools. She worked as an attendant at The Rhode Island Medical Center prior to attending The Rhode Island School of Nursing where she obtained her

License of Practical Nursing.

Gert worked as a nurse at Rhode Island Hospital for 20 years before moving to NorthCarolina, where she worked as a Charge Nurse at (  STallworth House,,,i forgot the name).  She returned to Rhode Island in 1994 and began volunteer work at AIDS CARE OCEAN STATE (Formerly FACTS HOUSE).  Gertrude later gained employment at Elmhurst Nursing Center until retiring to care for her mother, in 2005.Gertrude was predeceased by two sons, Robert W. “Bumps” Wilson and Tyrone C. Watts, her sister’s child, whom she raised and loved as her own.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her daughters, Robin L, Rowden and spouse, Margaret Wilson, of Connecticut, Nadine H.Akinbi, April L.Winston and Kristen L. Wilson, of Providence as well as her youngest daughter, DeAnna L. Tomlinson of North Carolina.  She leaves a son, Steven B. Wilson, of Pawtucket.

Gert was a sister of the late Russell P. Watts Jr, William C. Watts and Harley K. Watts. She survived her sisters, Mary L. Amado, Patricia Cunningham, and Elizabeth Watts.

She leaves behind her sisters, Thena Scott, Gladys Watts, Valerie Watts and a brother Michael “Mickey” Watts.

She also leaves, to mourn her passing, 16 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and a great-great grandson, along with a host of nieces and nephews and many honorary grandchildren.

Gert will be truly missed for her great sense of humor, her compassion, her love of dancing.

 and cooking, as well as her outspokenness and her smile. Many family members sought her advice and nurturing in times of need.  She was known as “Auntie Mom” or simply “Ma”, to nieces and nephews or anyone who had lost a mother. She was lovingly called “Gammies” by her grandchildren and their friends.

Gert was also known to take special care to crochet blankets for the newborn babies in the family.

Gert was loved by some many people. She will be deeply missed.

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