Gertrude Tosh Harris

Gertrude Tosh Harris passed on to heaven September 19, 2016. She was the eighth child born to Gertrude Crouch Tosh and Henry Sy Tosh on January 12, 1935. Upon the death of her mother when Gertrude was only two weeks old, she was raised by Gladys Matherly McDowell. In 1957, she married Chyle “Bud” Harris and for many years the couple lived on Noble Avenue in Danville. Bud passed on in 1993 and Gertrude’s last home in Danville was at Heritage Towers. As a young woman she was a member of the Baptist Tabernacle. Later in life, she attended Schoolfield Pentecostal Holiness Church. She worked in the dietary department of Memorial Hospital/Danville Regional for many years. In 2006, she moved to Salem, VA to be closer to her daughter Robin Harris Bailey and son-in-law C. Richard Bailey and most importantly, her granddaughter Claire M. Bailey. Gertrude’s love for her family, her sweet nature, and her enduring smile prevailed most bravely during her battle with Alzheimer’s. Her last years were spent at Ridgecrest apartments and most recently, Richfield Long Term Care. The family would like to thank her physicians and care givers for their guidance and support. Among those who will cherish her memory are her brothers Ray McDowell and Thurman Crouch, sister Linda M. Samuels, her lifelong best friend Marie Turman, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was predeceased by her brothers: James, Oscar, Eloyd, and Ned Tosh and her sisters Elva Towler, Dorothy Moore, and Pauline Gibson. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, September 23, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wrenn Yeatts North Main Chapel with the Reverend Michael C. Pressley and the Reverend Steve Carlton officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home. The family welcomes flowers or memorial donations to Schoolfield Pentecostal Holiness Church at 1380 West Main Street, Danville, VA 24541. Gertrude always searched “for the good in every person.” To honor her life, please smile at a stranger and be kind to one another. Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is respectfully serving the Harris family.

Gertrude Tosh Harris

January 12, 1935 - September 19, 2016