Gertrude Navarre Bailey Raiford

Gertrude Raiford, 90, passed from this life on Monday, November 10, 2008 at Rosepine Retirement and Rehab Center in Rosepine, Louisiana.  She was a lifelong resident of the DeRidder area since 1949 and was known as "The Angel Lady" for her collection of over 3,000 angels.  She was a Grace Church Charter member and sang at the local nursing homes.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, Louisiana. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home.  Burial is at Old Cypress Cemetery.

She is survived by the following: Son: Edward Raiford (Patsy) of DeRidder, Louisiana; Daughters: Shirley Ramsey of DeRidder, LA.; Juiquetta Russell (Tom) of DeRidder, LA.; Mona Bailey of Southbend, Indiana; Dianne Manning (Ronnie) of DeRidder, LA.  17 Grandchildren, 36 Great Grandchildren and 9 Great Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: Father: Wallace Navarre; Mother: Maggie Sheppard Navarre; Husbands: Ethard Bailey and J.T. "Son" Raiford; Brothers: James Navarre, Charles Navarre, Ray Navarre, Wallace R. Navarre; Sister: Deloris Willard, Myrtle Davis and Wava Riggle.