Mrs. Lesia Gertman was born on April 1, 1974 in Brooks County, Georgia to Queen E. Knight and the late James Sheppard Sr. She was a long-time employee of Brooks County Service Center before moving on to establish Knight’s Cleaning Service. She married Deacon Milton A. Gertman Sr. on June 4, 1994. In her spare time, she enjoyed cooking, baking, shopping, and spending time with her children and grandkids. She was someone we all knew and held dear in our hearts. We will remember her commanding presence, beautiful smile, and dimples.

She leaves precious memories with her loving and devoted husband of over 30 years, Deacon Milton A. Gertman Sr.; three children, Jamie N.Knight, Alicia O. Gertman, and Milton A. Gertman Jr.; four sisters, Bessie M. Knight, Alice Knight-Singleton, Barbara A. Sheppard, Brena Sheppard, six brothers, Willie J. (Stephanie) Knight Sr., Levi L. (Venessa)Knight Sr., Jerry (Sheri) Knight Sr., James (Jocelyn) Sheppard Jr., Darren Sheppard, Bradford (April) Sheppard, ; 5 in-laws, Jackie Thompson (Renwick), Matthew Gertman (Earnestine), Micheal Gertman, Donna Scott, Cornell Stephens, seven grandkids, Emmanuel A. Knight, Serenity A. Thomas, Aiden J. Thomas, Ivory M. R. Gertman, Caleb Thomas, Chloe Thomas, Zoey Thomas, and a host of nieces , nephew, cousins, and friends. Bonus moms Elizabeth Turner and Lula M. Sheppard. She was preceded in death by one brother Billy Belle, one sister Dorothy Wilson, God mother Bertha Thompson, two in-laws Lamarion Scott, Cornelius Scott, and her father James Sheppard.

Funeral services were Saturday, October 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at River Hill Church in Valdosta, Georgia with Dr. Joe Troope officiating. Burial followed at the Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Quitman. To access livestream of the service and share condolences with the family, we invite you to visit our website at stevensmcgheefuneralhome.com Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.