Gertrude Gray is the second child born to the union of Oliver Gray and Mary Virginia Gray. Gertrude was born on February 28, 1930 in Tchula Mississippi. Gertrude was one of fourteen siblings. She has five brothers and sisters from the marriage union of Oliver and Mary Virginia; Cleaster Gray (preceded in death), RJ Gray (preceded in death), Beatrice Hobbs, Geneva Calbert, and Rubirtha Ford. Oliver Gray was a widower before his union with Mary Virginia and his first union in marriage produced eight children; Oliver Gray, Mary Strong, Jessie Gray, Hattie Brownlow, Carrie Jenkins, Samuel Gray, Everett Gray (all preceded in death) and Olivia Baker.
Gertrude was the mother to five children; Felicia Cannon, Waylon Cannon, Cecilia Cannon, Philip Cannon, and Phyllis Cannon Scott. Gertrude was grandmother to five; La Shawn Cannon, Philip Antoine Cannon, Janyel Cannon, Ashley Scott, and Kayla Cannon. Gertrude was also the great-grandmother to three; Preston Charlie Breylan Cannon, Julian Clay Cannon and Noah Coltrane Cannon. And, aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Gertrude was a consummate worker and sometimes held two jobs to care for her family. She attended Los Angeles Community College and graduated with an Associates Degree in Children’s Education. Gertrude retired from the Los Angles Unified School District (LAUSD) after 25 years of service. Gertrude enjoyed working with children. She was a Teaching Assistant delivering reading programs to elementary school students and a Library Resource Assistant at a middle school.
Gertrude volunteered in her community throughout her life. She volunteered as Sunday School superintendent and teacher, participated in charity programs, and after retirement volunteered as a Los Angeles County Voter Elections poll worker.
Gertrude was a tireless compassionate mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, caregiver, and worker. And, will be greatly missed!
Let us not remain sadden, but remember, Philippians 3:20-21
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”
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