Virginia Beach: Gertrude Franklin Doss, 79, died peacefully Sunday, May 8, 2005. She was the wife of the late Charles Douglas Doss who died in 2004.

Gertrude was born in Appomattox County, June 7, 1925, and was the daughter of the late Estelle Harris Franklin and Fred Franklin. She was a life-time member of New Hope Baptist Church and a member of the Retired Teachers Association. She was employed for many years by Genesco and retired from the Appomattox County School System. She loved her years working with the students in the library and study halls helping them prepare for their futures. After retirement she enjoyed spending time with her family, grandchildren and the newest family addition her great-grandson Trey Torrence.

She is survived by her daughter, Gloria and son-in-law Larry Torrence of Virginia Beach; son, Charles A. Doss and daughter-in-law Deborah of Alpharetta, Georgia; and daughter, Dianne and son-in-law Kenneth West of Appomattox; sister, Annette and her husband Lloyd Catron of Altavista; and five grandchildren: Kimetha Schmidt and her husband Jim, Kendall West, Matthew Torrence and his wife Beverly, Berkley Doss and Sara Torrence and a great-grandson, Trey Torrence.

She was preceded in death by her brother Robert Franklin.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, at 2pm at New Hope Baptist Church by the Rev. George Kreidel. Burial will follow in New Hope Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends in the fellowship hall of the church following the graveside service. Family will receive friends today, May 10 at Robinson Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Memorial donations may be made to New Hope Baptist Church, Route 3, Box 420, Appomattox, Virginia 24522.

Robinson Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.robinsonfuneral.com