AUGUST 18 – Gertrude Manning Wilson passed away on Monday, August 17, 2009. She was born Gertrude A. Sears on August 25, 1917, in North Carolina, to John Mordecai Sears and Ellen West Sears. After her mother died in the 1918-19 influenza epidemic, she was adopted in 1920 by James A. and May M. Manning.

In 1933, she graduated from Boydton High School and subsequently entered State Teachers College (now Longwood University), graduating in 1937.

After marrying Charles Staples Wilson in 1947, she lived and taught history and English in Farmville, primarily at Prince Edward Academy, until her retirement in 1982 concluded a career of over 40 years of teaching.

She was preceded in death by her husband, four sisters, and two brothers. She is survived by her son, Dr. Charles S. Wilson Jr., his wife, Pam and a grandson, Robert M. Wilson. Gertrude enjoyed a long happy life which included a love of family, travel, and the gift of being a skilled conversationalist and listener.

Family visitation will be held Tuesday (tonight), from 6 to 8 p.m. at Puckett Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at Farmville United Methodist Church at 2 p.m., Wednesday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Farmville United Methodist Church or Randolph-Macon College, Ashland.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville.