Guretes Reaves

Guretes Mae Reaves (Gurt/Gertie) was born October, 22 1945, at Keesler Airforce Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Her early education was in Biloxi Mississippi where she lived with her grandmother Maude Washington for several years before moving to the North with her parents. She enjoyed telling the story of how her and her mother took the bus north. The family briefly lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana and New York before eventually settling in Trenton, New Jersey. Gurt attended St.Josephs and eventually graduated from Cathedral High School in Trenton NJ. in 1964. In 1964, Gurt married Leroy A. Reaves Jr. of Trenton, New Jersey. Their union produced a son Leroy A. Reaves III. 

Gurt held several positions putting her education to use, and helped in supporting her young family.  She held various positions  with multiple companies over the years. In Ohio, she worked at Gardner Denver as a receptionist and telex operator.  She also worked at Chemical Co where she was a C.R.T. Operator.  Upon returning to New Jersey, as a single mother she quickly began working at Scanticon Princeton NJ before eventually finding employment with the State of New Jersey Department of Labor where she stayed for 34 years. Only retiring in 2018 for health reasons. 

Gurt was kind, with a fun loving personality, and a bright smile.  She enjoyed people, a good party,  and dancing almost any chance she got. She traveled often going on several cruises and vacations with her many friends.

Gurt was a member of Our Lady of the Divine Shepherd Church. She spent many Sabbaths with her son listening to scripture and discussing the role of scripture in our lives. Gurt was a faithful and dedicated servant. 

Although Gurt held a job and raised a son; she also served her community as an Eastern Star until her mother's health required more of her attention. She and her mother would be seen all over town at various social events and church functions dressed. After losing her mother in 2008, Gurt lived with her son and his family. Several years later Gurt’s own health took a turn leading to her eventually retiring. After several years of putting up a valiant fight, the morning of September  30th, 2020 just before 8 am The Most High father Yah called her home. After a long visit and prayer with family the night before, the next morning Gurt while sleeping peacefully with her son by her side transitioned to be with the Father. Gurt was loved and cherished.

Gurt was predeceased by her mother Jessie Mae (Ellis) and her Father Victor Ellis Jr. She is survived by her only son Leroy Anthony Reaves III. and a  host of family members and friends.

A viewing service will be held 9:00am Saturday October 10, 2020 followed by a funeral service at 10:00 am, at the For the Glory of God Church 471 Parkway Ave. Trenton, NJ. . Interment will  be at Greenwood cemetery in Hamilton.

 The father saw the road was getting rough,

 the hills were hard to climb, 

  He gently closed her loving eyes and whispered,

”Peace be Thine”.

The weary hours, the days of pain, the sleepless nights are passed, 

 The ever patient worn-out frame has found sweet rest at last.

“Mom” , I will truly miss you,

                                                         Your son, Tony

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