Gersyl Graves

Gersyl Graves Affectionately known to family and friends as “Gert” was born February 10, 1941 to the late Albert A Stewart and the late Lulu Dobson in Philadelphia PA. As a young girl Gersyl was raised by her grandparents, the late John “BAP” and Lulu G. Wooden whom she adored as Mama and Papa and loved very much. Gersyl was educated in the Philadelphia Public Schools and graduated from William Penn High School. After graduating High School Gersyl went on to start her family having three children; Charhen , Sheldon, and Blake. As a single Mother, Gersyl made a way to provide for her family by working multiple jobs with the last being a letter carrier for the Post Office. Gersyl also raised her grandson Sheldon “little Sheldon” Moss and after the loss of her daughter Charhen, Gersyl filled that loss in her heart with goddaughter Tamika Mikeals.

Gersyl relocated to Lynchburg, VA closer to her son Blake where she worked as an operating room equipment technician at Lynchburg General Hospital. Gersyl was all about family and friends. Every chance she got she would call and check on people and be on the phone for hours at a time. If there was anything you wanted to know about Wooden family history, the family would turn to her for insight. Gersyl was smart, outspoken, and never backed down. She spoke her mind whether you liked it or not and she never bit her tongue. She loved to go shopping and out to eat every chance she had. She also loved going to the casino and playing her lottery numbers. Gersyl departed this life on April 19, 2025.

She leaves to mourn her passing ; one Sister Robyn Dobson, three children; Charhen (deceased), Sheldon, and Blake. Four grandchildren; “Little Sheldon”, Whitney, Dominique, and Dorian. Four great grandchildren; Zaire, Monae, Mya, and Semaj. Granddaughter in law; Christina Fields, goddaughter Tamika Mikeals.

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