Gertrude Adams Shockley, Beebe Hospital retiree
Gertrude Adams Shockley, 92, of Lewes and Frankford, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022, in the loving presence of her family.
She was born Nov. 9, 1929 daughter to Ira Adams and Carrie Mitchell Adams in Laurel. Gertrude graduated from Laurel High School and then attended Beebe School of Nursing.
She retired following many devoted years of service to Beebe Hospital. In her medical career, she touched many lives and made such a huge difference with her kindness, compassion and gentle spirit.
Gertrude was dearly loved by her husband David T. Shockley Sr., her soulmate, and her 10 children, five girls and five boys who she was so proud of. She dearly loved her family, and her goodness was apparent from the many friends, her loving siblings and loving devoted children.
She loved to sing; she had a beautiful voice and loved dancing with her “hubby” as she referred to him.
She had a devoted relationship with God and was a beautiful and faithful servant and departed this world on Angel Wings.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her oldest son, David T. Shockley Jr.; two grandchildren, Robert “Robbie” E. Ford and Katrina Hudson; three brothers: Jim Adams, Bill Adams and Nelson Adams; and three sisters: Elizabeth Parker, Edna Adams and Madelyn Mitchell.
She is survived by nine children Kathy Ford, Donna Bower, Patricia Davis (Alan), Judy Mitchell, all of Lewes, John Shockley (Shirley) of Frankford, Glenn Shockley (Sue) of Claymont, Chris Shockley (Bonnie) of Frankford, Marylou Reynolds of Lewes and George Shockley (Kellie) of Lewes.
Gertrude is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Michelle Steeves (Scott) of Jacksonville, Fla., Michael Shockley (Mary) of Georgetown, Adam Ford of Lewes, Becky Herd (Andy) of Lewes, Pamela Blondin (Eric) of Rehoboth, Carrie Davis (Gordon) of Lewes, Jennifer Givens (Kyle) of Frankford, Christy Rogers (Mike) of Frankford, Taylor Brown (Josh) of Cleveland, Tenn., Riley Roberts of Lewes, Kelly and Samantha Shockley of Lewes, Chanelle and Zack Hopkins of Lewes.
She is also survived by 32 great-grandchildren: Lucy, Levi, Camryn, Tessa, Halle, Jarrett, Reed, Madison, Morgan, Allison, Andy, Reagan, Savannah, Luke, Brittany, Eric, Erika, Alisha, Marissa, Autumn, Roxy, Hobe, Laila, Gracie, Georgia, Jazear, Brooklyn, Melina, Lilly, Nicole, Isabelle and Linley.
She is also survived by twin sister Eva Rimel of Kansas, sisters Lois Truitt (Jake) of Laurel, Sally Wharton (Jim) of Laurel; and her brother, Noah Adams (Sandy) of Laurel.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing at Beebe Healthcare, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958, or by visiting beebehealthcare.org/donate.
Visitation will commence at 10:30 a.m. with a service at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 19, at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 43 Thatcher St., Frankford.
A luncheon will follow at Frankford UMC, 2 Main St., Frankford for family and close friends.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting melsonfuneralservices.com.
