Germaine Graff Baldwin

1938 - 2024

Germaine Graff Baldwin

August 17, 1938 - October 12, 2024

Germaine "Gerry" Graff Baldwin, 86, in her own time, sang her outro on October 12, 2024. Having entered this world on August 17, 1938, in Richmond, VA, Gerry was a beautiful person, gifted with a lovely soprano voice, a vibrant smile, a huge, generous heart and a penchant for sweets.

She grew up in the Lakeside area of Richmond and was an educator for most of her life. Not only did Gerry teach in a classroom and a church Sunday school, she was also a docent for the Virginia Historical Society and loved sharing her knowledge of the Richmond area with friends, family, strangers and bus loads of students.

Gerry graduated from the University of Richmond, Westhampton College, in 1960, she represented Franklin County in the Miss Virginia pageant of 1958, acted as a deacon in the Presbyterian church, served as Minister of Music for several congregations, and always conducted an unforgettable tour of the Hollywood Cemetery.

Gerry's husband of 63 years, Hudnall Ware Baldwin, preceded her in death by mere weeks. She is survived by her son, Hudnall Ware Baldwin, Jr., her daughter, Amy Baldwin Efird, son-in-law, Robert Efird, her sister, Mary G. Dove, brother-in-law, Ernest L. Dove, numerous nieces and nephews and other family members. Gerry was also preceded into the hereafter by her brother, William "Billy" R. Graff, and her parents, Doris F. Graff and George R. Graff.

Quietly, and certainly, Gerry touched the lives of many in her 86 years: her fellow educators, chorus and church members, neighbors, those in need, her recent caregivers, and, of course, her circle of dear friends.

A member of the Richmond Symphony Chorus for well over 30 years, Gerry loved choral singing. Unlike her physical body, her singing voice never aged. Her other interests included genealogy, having her morning coffee, local and world history, jelly beans, playing the piano and organ, ice cream, dinners with friends, concerts, humming tunes in the grocery store and surprising people with gifts.

A requiem celebrating Gerry's life will be held at Eternity Church (formerly Ginter Park Baptist Church) at 1200 Wilmington Avenue Richmond, VA, on November 10, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will start at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richmond Symphony Chorus Campaign, in memory of Gerry Baldwin.