Gertrude Meyer

Gertrude H. Meyer PORTSMOUTH - Gertude Hensley Meyer, 89, passed away June 14, 2009. She was predeceased by her loving husband and constant mate for 42 years, Julius A. Meyer and her beloved son, Worley T. Smith. Born in Bristol, Va., on Feb. 14, 1920, the daughter of the late Jenny and Maynard Hensley, she was also predeceased by five brothers and two sisters. Survivors include her brother, Herbert Hensley and wife Dot of Bristol; her sister, Viola Hensley of Bristol; a stepdaughter, Diane Haverstock and husband John of Roanoke Rapids, N.C.; two stepsons, Russell Meyer and wife Jackie of LaPlata, Md., and Donald Meyer and wife Carlotta of Charlotte, N.C.; seven grandchildren, Julia Haverstock, Andrew Haverstock, Russell Meyer II, Dustin Meyer, Savannah Meyer, Marc Smith and Traci Ramsey; two great-grandchildren, Cameron Ramsey and Margot Ramsey; and a dear friend to the end, Debbie Jones. "Mom" or "Gertie" - as she was known to most - raised many around her as her own. She moved to Portsmouth in 1941 and her home was always open. You may have entered a stranger, but you always left as family or friend (and with an armful of freshly grown vegetables or a home-baked cake). She treasured the many friendships made as a life member of the VFW Auxiliary, life member of Disabled Veterans Auxiliary Chapter 41 and a member of Fleet Reserve Association Unit 40. Few who are so understated, like Gertie, have deeply impacted so many lives. Her nurturing presence will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Tom Becker. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel. www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com.