Gertrude J. Wren, 77, of Springfield, died Tuesday morning, June 24, 2008 in Essex of Springfield.

She was born in Springfield on April 13, 1931 the daughter of George and Julia (Harris) Jenkins.

She was a member of Deliverance Tabernacle. Gertrude will be remembered as a sweet, simple lady with a heart as big as the world, for her welcoming arms and comforting ways.

Survivors include three children, Sandra Rhyan, Daniel Wren and David Wren, all of Springfield; eleven grandchildren, Robert Highmiller II, Angela Boyd, John Wren, Christina Wren, James Wren II, Jamie Coe, Jamie Wren, Carl Blevins, Daniel Wren II, Dee Dee Wren, and Tasha Wren; eighteen great grandchildren; a sister, Lucille Jenkins of Bainbridge, Ohio; a brother, Brother Doc Jenkins, also of Bainbridge; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Paul Robert Wren; two sons, James E. Wren and Wayne Howard Wren; a granddaughter, Cassandra Wren; and nine brothers and sisters.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday in the LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday in the funeral home with Pastor Sue Grim officiating.

Burial will be in Ferncliff Cemetery.