Gertrude Myrtle (“Gert” or “Granny”) Shook Graves, 95, of Murphy, went peacefully from home to be with the Lord and her beloved husband, Albert, on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.
She was born July 18, 1925, to the late Alexander Stephens Shook and Lula Estelle Hyatt Shook in Young Harris, Ga.
She celebrated many accomplishments throughout her life. At 19 years old, Gertrude went to work for Bell Aircraft Corporation in Marietta, Ga., during World War II. A true “Rosie the Riveter,” she worked in the wing section of B-29 bombers, shooting rivets into the planes.
After the war ended, she spent the money she earned on her first car – a 1940 Ford that she often fondly recalled when telling her family stories about her “old home place.”
Gertrude’s greatest joys in life were her friends and family – especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed meeting people and hearing their stories but most of all, she cherished being surrounded by loved ones, cooking for them and sharing memories of her own. She always found occasion to send letters, and she filled her home with many cards and photos she so proudly received.
Gertrude never met a stranger, and she touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
She was a devout Christian and member of Ebenezer Baptist.
She will be so dearly missed by many.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Albert Graves; a daughter, Karen Graves Luther; a grandson, Morris Heath Graves; five brothers, Todd, T.J., Jack, J.W. and Ray (“Nut”) Shook; and four sisters, Minnie Mulkey, Lois Parker, Vera Lee Gibson and Betty Jo Sampson.
Surviving Mrs. Graves are four children, Linda Byers and husband Burt Byers, Debbie Mauney and husband Alan Mauney, Morris Graves, Bryan Graves and wife Joy Graves; seven grandchildren, Rory Justin Byers, Travis Fennell, Allie Mauney, Brady and Xander Graves, Summer Bryant and Kaylee Cornelius, all of Murphy; and daughter-in-law Teresa Chastain-Schmaldinst of Charlotte.
A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy. The Rev. Edward Carter and Ricky Rogers officiated. Music was conducted by The Pressley Girls. Burial was at Ebenezer Baptist Church. Pallbearers were Brady Graves, Xander Graves, Rory Justin Byers, Alan Mauney, Burt Byers and Travis Fennell.
The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at Townson-Rose Funeral Home Chapel in Murphy.
In lieu of flowers or contributions, please send to Gideons International.
“And the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Jesus Christ, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10).
You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.