Gertrude A. Harris

Through God's love, His Mercy, and His Will, we have gathered today to celebrate the life and homegoing of GERTRUDE AGNES VAN DYKE (BASS) HARRIS born to James William Van Dyke and Mary Lorina Proctor Van Dyke on May 8, 1931 in Baltimore, MD. On Thursday, November 20, 2014 she departed her earthly life to reside in her eternal life. Gertrude received her education through the Baltimore City Public Schools and went on to work in various environments which included private duty nursing, working for Baltimore County Public Schools and ending with General Services Administration for the Federal Government. On July 15, 1950 she married James William Bass (who preceded her in death) and from this union six children were born: Helen, Gregory, Christine, Lynette, Nathaniel and Cozette. In 1973 she married William I. Harris (Stud) at which time she gained three additional children: Andrenetta, Jessie and William (deceased). Gertrude was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was known as Granny by all the grandkids. Her children and grandchildren alike could always look forward to their birthday card and special gift from granny every year. And no birthday was complete without a call from her so she could render our Happy Birthday song. Gertrude enjoyed life and loved being around others. Her friends as well as her family will miss her easy way of sharing conversation and laughs. She was the go to person for listening and keeping confidences. If you told it to (Mom, Granny, Gert) you could be sure what you shared was in a vault as safe as Fort Knox. Gertrude was a member of St. Edward Roman Catholic Church and was known as a “prayer warrior”. She loved and believed in prayer. She was a member of St Edward's Blessed Mother Sodality and St. Pius V Ladies Auxiliary #219, enjoyed being active in church activities as well as outside activities and was also a member of The Birthday Club. She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Helen Ross, Gregory Bass, Christine Bass, Lynette Salisbury, Nathaniel Bass, Cozette Opuiyo, Andrenetta Daniel, Jessie Parker; four sons-in-law, two daughters-in-law, twenty-two grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. She also leaves her loving brother, Thomas Van Dyke; sister-in-law, Genevia Van Dyke; brother-in-law, Leslie (Billy) Harris; and sister-in-law, Adele Harris. Her brothers Joseph Van Dyke and James Van Dyke and sisters Francis Barbour, Helen McClarity and Elizabeth Van Dyke preceded her in death. In addition she leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who shall surely miss her.

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Gertrude A. Harris

May 8, 1931 - November 20, 2014