GERTRUDE BLEDSOE

Gertrude Richardson Bledsoe was born February 1, 1937, to Annie Norse Richardson, Sr. and wife, Gladys White Richardson, in Yazoo City, Mississippi. At an early age Gertrude’s parents relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she attended Indianapolis public schools. Gertrude was employed by the Defense Finance and Accounting Service at Fort Benjamin Harrison for thirty-five years. She retired from federal civilian service in 1995, as a supervisor in the travel division. 

Early in life, in Indianapolis, Indiana Gertrude confessed a hope in Christ and was baptized at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church.  She later attended Eastern Star Church. 

Gertrude married the love of her life, Dwayne Bledsoe, on June 30, 1956, and together they shared over sixty-six years of lasting love. In their marriage they nurtured and loved their children, Jean Bledsoe-Johnson, Karen Bledsoe, Sue Bledsoe-Barber, Nathaniel Bledsoe and Mary Posey. She enjoyed traveling, entertaining, reading, cooking family dinners, and Sisterhood Game night. 

Gertrude Bledsoe’s earthly journey spanned eighty-six years and three months of life. She floated away quietly on Sunday, May 7,2023, surrounded by family. 

Gertrude Bledsoe cherished her life; her husband, Dwayne; five children, Jean (Russell), Karen, Sue, Nathaniel, and Mary. Gertrude Bledsoe also cherished her relationship with Dwayne’s sister, Margaret Jean Robinson, a life-long friend; grandchildren, Anthony Donaldson (Teresa), Whitnii Bledsoe-Flowers (Jason), Rachel Nelson (Shawn), John Posey, III (Tifany), Nathan Barber, III, Russell Johnson, III, Cory Barber, Kameron Hughes, and ten great-grandchildren.                                                        

Gertrude Bledsoe was the eldest of her thirteen siblings.  She is survived by Bessie Crayton, Herman Richardson (Dee Dee), Paul Richardson (Kathy), Peter Richardson (Sheryl), and Gary Richardson (Ginny). 

Gertrude Bledsoe was preceded in death by parents, Annie Norse Richardson, Sr. and Gladys; brothers, Annie Norse “Tony” Richardson, Jr., Walter Richardson, Eddie “Joe” Richardson, Billy Richardson, and James Richardson, and sisters, Brenda Weathers, and Sadie Kinchlow.  

We want to acknowledge other family members, nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews and in-laws. Equally, we recognize her lifelong Pokeno, Bingo, and Poker buddies that gathered for over fifty years almost every weekend from sundown to sunrise.    

Humbly Submitted                The Family

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