Garnette Elizabeth Dunford

GARNETTE ELIZABETH DUNFORD, was called by God, quietly in her sleep to eternal rest on February 2, 2011, after a lengthy illness at Manor Care Ruxton Nursing Facility. Garnette Elizabeth Blackwell Dunford was born on July 1, 1914 in Lottsburg, Virginia to the late Christopher Columbus Blackwell and Louise Veney Blackwell. She was the youngest of eight siblings. She received the greater portion of her education in the Baltimore Public School System. She came to live with her eldest sister, Esoline Balckwell Gaskins and her husband Rufus Gaskins in Baltimore, Maryland after the passing of her mother when she was approximately ten years of age. Esoline and Rufus parented her along with their children in a loving and caring home. Garnette graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in Baltimore, Matyland at the top of her class, later she completed cosmetology school and also became a certified seamstress. Garnette always presented herself in a courteous and respectful manner. She was very neat and a meticulous housekeeper. Garnette married the late John Dellano Dunford, Sr. in 1952. From this union one son was born, John Dellano Dunford, Jr. Garnette spent some time in Germany with her husband S.F.C. John Dunford, who was a member of the United States Army Band. She used her sewing talent making clothes for the officers wives. She also belonged to the Gray Ladies Organization where she help care for some of the less fortunate children in Germany. When she returned to the United States she became employed as a seamstress for several Baltimore manufacturing facilities until her retirement. She also operated her own private sewing business. Garnette received Christ at an early age. Later she united with the Morning Star Baptist Dwayne C. Debnam is the pastor. Garnette was a faithful, dedicated member and servant of the Lord. She served on the Senior Choir, Ministered to the sick and shut-in, transported people to and from the church. She took on other tasks outside the church which included taking others shopping and making clothes for the neighborhood children. She always greeted everyone with a smile that was like a ray of sunshine. She will be remembered for her Godly mannerisms and service in the community. After the passing of Garnette’s husband, she, her son John Dunford, Jr. and wife Cheryl Yvette Dunford, grandchildren, Shawn Jeffrey Dunford, Dominique Martine Downs and Blaine Garnette Dunford built and maintained a stronger and closer relationship. Later, Garnette gained a great-granddaughter, Delaney Yvette Downs (the daughter of Dominique Martin Downs). When Garnette’s health began to decline, her niece, Ella Byrd and her husband Elder Earl Byrd shared their Godly home with her. Ella cared for her as if she was her mother. She was the daughter that Garnette never had. During this period her son, John Jr., was traveling back and forth over seas, responding to his required duties of the government. It was a blessing that he was able to entrust the care of his mother to his cousin Ella in his absence. Ella will remember her gentle, kind spirit and the beautiful hymns she sang. When Garnette’s illness progressed, she became a resident at Manor Care Ruxton Nursing Facility where she received excellent care and seemed to be always happy with a smile on her face. Garnette leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted son, John Jr. and his wife, Cheryl; three grandchildren, Shawn, Dominique and Blaine; great-granddaughter; Delaney; nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

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Garnette Elizabeth Dunford

July 1, 1914 - February 2, 2011