The church lost one of it's dearest members in January of 2005, Gertrude Alvord.

Gertrude joined Grace Presbyterian Church in the spring of 2002 after moving to Corpus Christi from Rockport, TX - and she immediately became one of its most loyal members.  The best way to sum up this gracious lady is to say she had a quick mind and a big heart - and was endeared by all who knew her.

Gertrude's largest single contribution to the church was to head up a committee that created dozens of Chrismon ornaments for our Christmas tree.  This effort went on weekly for almost 2 years and resulted in some of the beautiful ornaments shown here.

Gertrude is shown below on the left hanging Chrismons on this years tree.

Gertrude died January 27th of natural causes and the memorial ceremony was held Saturday, January 29, 2005, at Grace Presbyterian Church.

The ministers presiding were Reverend Salmon and Reverend Charles Schuler from Gertrude's church in Rockport.  They teamed up to present a warm, wonderful service - and pay tribute to a great lady in a way that I'm sure she would have enjoyed.  In fact, toward the end of the service a cell phone went off and Rev Salmon commented "There's Gertrude!".

After the service, guests visited with Gertrude's family and friends.  Here is Gertrude's daughter, Carol, and son, John, displaying a new Chrismon just completed by church member Beverly Brown (Gertrude's right hand on the Chrismon Committee).  In the center of the star the name `Gertrude' is embroidered.

Shown here sharing some enjoyable memories of Gertrude are Gertrude's son, John Alvord, Mrs. and Rev Shuler,  Mrs. and Rev Salmon, and Gertrude's daughter Carol Alvord.  John and Carol are Gertrude's only children - but following them are lots of dearly loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fly with the Angel's Gertrude - we're going to miss you!!