<!-- FH = Crisp Funeral Home -->GERTRUDE HOWARDROGERSBRYSON CITY - Gertrude Howard Rogers, 88, of Bryson City, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, February 22, 2011 in a Swain County health care facility. A native of Swain County, she was the daughter of the late Bill and Susan Slagle Howard. She was a loving wife and mother and loved gardening and working in her flower beds. She was an active member of Victory Baptist Church.She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Rogers; one son, Wendell White; seven sisters, Thisa Arvey, Hazel Pruett, Hettie Howard, Ester Dover, Lizzie DeHart, Mamie Howard, Jessie Burnette; and three brothers, Roby, Henry, and Dave Howard.She is survived by one daughter, Barbara Rogers Robinson; two sons, Alvin White and wife Linda of Moravian Falls, N.C., Dean White of Clairmont, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and one sister, Lexie Winchester of Bryson City.Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Crisp Funeral Home. The Rev. John Tagliarini will officiate with burial in Maple Springs Cemetery.The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.