Deaconess Gertrude Althea Tanner

A Life Well-Lived Deaconess Gertrude Althea Tanner, 93, of Richmond, peacefully departed this life on April 2, 2020. She was born in Mecklenburg County, South Hill, Virginia on September 18, 1926, the fourth of eleven children, to the late Sandy Harris and Lula Mise Harris. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Tanner, eight of her siblings, and one great-grand daughter. Gertrude offered lifelong gestures of love and devotion to her family. As a young woman she was always there to help her parents with her younger siblings until 1946; she then met her husband Herman, as they soon after moved to Richmond, where they always welcomed any family member into their home with their two young daughters. Gertrude truly knew the meaning of family commitment; assuming the care of her mother, father and some of her siblings in their later years until their death. As a young woman, Gertrude tirelessly worked to take care of her family by working at Lee Medical Building, as an elevator operator during the day, and at Reynolds Metal Company at night, where she retired after 26 years of service. After retirement she joyfully began to volunteer, first at the Hanover Adult Daycare in Mechanicsville, and later at Henrico Doctor’s Hospital. She always gave her time and resources wherever and whenever she could. She never stopped helping and doing for others, a trait she innately passed on to her daughters. Gertrude was a beloved grandmother that thoroughly enjoyed time with her grandchildren. The sight of any one of them would light up her life and make her smile. She also enjoyed traveling with her family and friends, always enjoying new experiences in different places. Gertrude gave her life to the Lord at an early age at the Bethel Grove, A.M.E Church in La Crosse, Virginia. Later in life, she and her husband joined Madison Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Richmond, Virginia, where she became a life council member of the A.M. E. Zion Church. She served as a deaconess and choir member. In 2000, she joined Standing on the Promises of God, Non-denominational Church, in Louisa County, Virginia under the pastoring of her son-in-law, Reverend Larry Holt Sr., serving as a Deaconess until her passing. She leaves to cherish her memory, sister, Verbena Harris and brother, Thomas Harris, both of Baltimore, Maryland; two daughters, LaVerna Massey (Tony) of Baltimore, MD and Shanor Holt (Larry Sr.), of Mechanicsville, Virginia; ten grandchildren, Antoni Boston (Natasha), Tamie Williamson, Alecia Dixon-Bey, Mark Hunter (Jodi), Brian Hunter, Eric Hunter (Erika), Gary Coles (Jackie), Larry Jr., Cher Dobson and Shuntece Mugo; twenty-one great-grandchildren, ten great-great grandchildren and a host of loving nieces, nephews, family members, church members and caretakers, among them the 4th Wing Nursing staff of Westport Rehabilitation and InnovAge PACE. Gertrude, our Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, Friend, you have left us with many memories to be cherished. We are so grateful for the time we have had with you. Until we meet again! Obituary

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Deaconess Gertrude Althea Tanner

September 18, 1926 - April 2, 2020