Biography:

Mrs. Gertrude Woodside Rainey was born in Miami on January 19, 1929, to Sammuel Woodside and Willa Moss. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved sister Ivy, and her husband, John Rainey.

Affectionately known as “Gert” by family and friends, Gertrude was educated in the school systems of Miami and New York City and graduated from Dorsey High School. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Sears Roberts. Together, they were among the first families to move into the newly built James E. Scott Housing Projects in the Liberty City community. After a short stay there, the family purchased land and built their first home. Through hard work and determination, they later built a second home and successfully operated a boarding house for many years.

Gertrude later met and married John Rainey, who preceded her in death.

She lived in Manhattan for many years, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree in Social Work from City College of New York. She was also a published author and proudly wrote the book One Lump or Two Papa.

Gertrude was a true pioneer in construction and worked for many years as a carpenter with Turner Construction Company. At a time when very few women worked in the construction industry, she broke barriers with strength, skill, and determination. She was known for working with her hands and had an incredible gift for building and creating. In fact, she reconstructed her entire apartment herself with her own bare hands, a reflection of both her craftsmanship and independence.

Although she was an avid fan of the New York Knicks and the New York Mets, her true passions were gardening and fishing. One of her favorite fishing spots was Sheepshead Bay. Gertrude took great pride in beautifying her neighborhood and won first place numerous times on her block on 153rd Street for her gardening entries, including squash and tulips. Her talent and dedication earned her several blue ribbons and first-place prizes. She was also recognized as one of the first women — and among the first people — to successfully grow cotton in Harlem, something she took great pride in accomplishing.

Gert also enjoyed taking bus trips to Atlantic City and Connecticut to try her luck at the casinos whenever she was able.

A strong and respected community leader, Gertrude was deeply active in her neighborhood and received recognition from members of the New York City Council for her dedication and service to the community. She was also a devoted member of Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Harlem, where she faithfully taught Sunday school and touched the lives of many young people through her guidance and faith.

In addition to her extended New York family, she leaves to cherish her memory her children: Linda Monford (Cecil), John Rainey, Ingrid Day, Cheryl Flanders, Reuben Rainey, and Kenneth Rainey; her half-sister, Levin Woodside; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.

Gertrude’s warmth, resilience, creativity, leadership, and unwavering love for her family and community will forever be remembered by all who knew and loved her.