Ida Mae Gresham

On March 8, 1916, in Middlesex County Virginia, Ida Mae Gresham entered this life, the youngest of eleven children born to Ada Green-Reid and Robert Reid. At a young age, she was adventurous, independent, loving and a modern thinker. She received her education in the Middlesex County public school system. At seventeen years old, she migrated to Germantown, Philadelphia where became gainfully employed as housekeeper. Ida would later return to Virginia in 1958 and settle in Caroline County. There she worked in a factory packing plant for a short stint and retired as a housekeeper with thirty years of service.

Ida became the beloved wife of the late James Gresham (of Middlesex County, Va.), and in1933, they were blessed with a daughter, Annie Cook. In 1953, she dedicated her life to the service of the Lord and became a member of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith. As an active member, she enjoyed fellowshipping as she travelled across the country for church conferences to hear The Word of God. She also took an interest in leadership roles and diligently served as bookkeeper, women’s department assistant supervisor and eventually supervisor for her local church. For her sixty-plus years of service, faith, mentorship, and devotion, she was later appointed the role of Church Mother.

Her faith in God not only rested in her church community but flowed into her personal life. She was met with many life challenges but maintained strong faith and overcame. She was a prayer warrior which greatly influenced her family’s faith walk with Christ.

Ida took great delight in her nine grandchildren. She frequently had them at her home and served: root-beer floats, spiritual guidance, a hilarious sense of humor and captivating stories. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening. However, she was most well known in her community for baking delectable desserts and rolls.

Ida transitioned to eternal life on Sunday, November 5, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Annie (John); eight grandchildren, James, Gloria, Barbara (William), Rhonda (Anthony), Cheryl (Andrew), Katrina, Andre and Maria; four great-grandchildren, Andre, Jamal, Rachel and Christina.