Gertrude Eskridge

Gertrude Sutton Eskridge was born to the late Saul and Lyna Sutton (nee Jones) on April 12th, 1930 in Henderson, NC. She was the tenth out of eleven children and all of her siblings have preceded her in death. Saul and Lyna raised their family on a farm and instilled in them the value of faith, family and hard work. They grew up poor but were actually rich in all the ways that mattered – surrounded by a large extended family with all of their needs fulfilled. Sadly, Gertrude lost her mother Lyna at an early age but fortunately her oldest sisters stepped in and provided a motherly presence in her life of which she was always extremely grateful.

Gertrude attended the local schools in Henderson and enjoyed learning. She appreciated being in the classroom as she discovered early that she didn’t like the hard work of farm life. She didn’t like caring for their farm animals and she especially didn’t like working in the fields under the hot North Carolina sun. She realized that staying in school would give her the best chance at a different life.

After graduating Henderson Institute High School, Gertrude was accepted to the nursing program at Duke Hospital where she graduated as a licensed practical nurse. Gertrude then went on to enroll at Columbia Hospital School of Nursing in Columbia, South Carolina. The Columbia Hospital School of Nursing for Black Students opened in September 1935 with ten students. Gertrude really appreciated the opportunity to attend, and she made the best of it. She often shared stories about her experiences including some of the struggles of the program and hardships that the girls faced to be there. The hospital was segregated which meant that the nursing program was segregated as well. However, the lectures and course work were the same as for white nursing students. During the latter part of the 1950’s there was significant growth of the program that improved the quality of the learning experience for all students including the opening of the first nursery for premature babies in 1953. This event was significant for Gertrude personally as it is here that she realized her interest and joy in working with newborn babies.

Upon graduating from Columbia Hospital School of Nursing in 1955 as a registered nurse, Gertrude relocated to Cleveland, Ohio and worked at University Hospitals of Cleveland. She stayed there a short time to gain experience and then moved over to St. Luke’s Hospital and worked in the newborn nursery until her retirement. She enjoyed her career tremendously and met many wonderful nurses and other hospital staff along the way many of which became close friends.

Shortly after moving to Cleveland, she met her husband, Dorris C. Eskridge. They enjoyed their courtship with him introducing her to all of the popular hot spots of the day. He also introduced her to his church home, Bethany Baptist Church, where they both remained faithful members. They married in 1964 and remained lifetime partners for 50 years until his death in 2014. Their union was blessed with two children, Brett and Kimberly. Gertrude was a hands-on mother who was involved in the PTA, insisted on good grades, encouraged her children to study music, play sports, and enjoy life. She loved her extended family enormously and stressed the importance of family and made sure that we knew our family history, participated in family reunions, and stayed connected with everyone.

After Gertrude retired from nursing she became a licensed real estate agent and took pleasure in helping people find their dream home. The flexible schedule as an agent allowed her to enjoy all of her hobbies including line dancing, bridge, the theater, the orchestra, and traveling. It also enabled her to spend precious time with her only grandchild, Brandon, participating in all of his school and sport activities. She was also active with several groups including the Ludlow Association, her local AARP Chapter, The Shaker Heights Senior Center, The Association of African American Cultural Gardens, and others.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Son, Brett C. Eskridge (Vivian); Daughter, Kimberly D. Eskridge-Rose (Stanley); Grandson, Brandon I. Rose; Brother-in-law, Melvin Murdock (Shantell); God-Daughter, Sade Cole; dear friends, Earnestine Bennett, Gussie Busby, and Myra James; and a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.