Quilt 2000 and Other Honors

At Gertha's Presentation in 2000, Chaplain Michael Maness and his Fiancée, Kathy Brackin (deceased), presented to Gertha a very special quilt.  This quilt was specially designed and hand-stitched by Kathy's mother, Bessie Smith, designated "Quilter of the County" by Jasper County Judge.  The quilt's design is in purple, Gertha's favorite color, highlights JOY Prison Ministry, and has 100+ plus squares, each individually signed by prisoners from the Gib Lewis Unit, Woodville, Texas, with notes of their affection and small pieces of art.

Gertha prizes the changes that come from God to the offenders.  One of her cherished honors was a letter jointly signed by the Winds of Change Choir, an offender choir from the Carol Vance Unit that sang several songs for Gertha and Joy Prison Ministry at one of her presentations.