Elaine Joan Schrader

Elaine Joan Schrader, beloved daughter of God, devoted wife, cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, entered into life everlasting on January 26, 2026, surrounded by her devoted husband and children. She was 84 years old.

Born on November 7, 1941, in Sodus, New York, Elaine lived a life marked by deep faith, generous love, and joyful service. As a follower of Jesus Christ, Elaine trusted Him fully in life and in death, and now rejoices in the promise of resurrection and eternal life in His presence.

For more than 30 years, Elaine worked alongside her beloved husband, Gerald “Gerry” Schrader, serving as Office Manager and Accountant in the businesses they built together. Their marriage of 64 years was a true partnership, rooted in love, shared purpose, and faith. Together they raised their children, built their own home, launched new ventures, and faithfully nurtured their walk with Christ. Elaine’s generous heart shone most brightly when she was welcoming others, opening her home, her table, and her life with warmth and care.

Elaine earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Maryland, but her greatest calling was lived out through her church and community. Her faithful service began with helping start a nursery school at her church in 1967 and continued through decades of ministry. She joyfully taught children’s Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, facilitated Community Bible Study, and faithfully led mission’s projects, always eager to serve wherever there was a need. At Walnut Hills Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia, she became a cornerstone of Adult Sunday School and later founded and led the GriefShare ministry, offering comfort and hope grounded in her deep faith in Jesus Christ. Elaine’s service extended beyond church walls as she quietly and generously met the needs of those around her with compassion, humility, and grace.

Elaine was known for her caring spirit, infectious laughter, and selfless love. She found joy in simple pleasures, puzzles, coloring, and time shared with family. She and Gerry made their home in Mount Airy, Maryland, where they lived for 35 years, before relocating to Williamsburg, Virginia, where they spent 15 years deeply rooted in church and community. Relocating to their new home in October 2025 in Fairfax, VA, Elaine cherished quiet moments with Gerry and their beloved cat, Dixie, reflecting with gratitude on a life richly blessed.

Elaine was a proud and loving mother to Lora Gravatt (Carlton), Stephen Schrader (Diane), and Richard Schrader. She delighted in her grandchildren: Brittany Oliver (Joey), Christian Gravatt (Victoria), Brett Gravatt, Alyssa Schrader, Kaitlyn Blake (Charles), Michael Schrader, and Samantha Schrader, and was a devoted great-grandmother to eight great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy.

Elaine is survived by her loving husband; her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; and her brother, Wayne Hermenet (Chris), and sister-in-law, Sherry Hermenet. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred J. Hermenet, Sr. and Leona G. Hermenet; her brother, Alfred J. Hermenet, Jr.; and her sister, Arlene Plucinik.

As we remember Elaine, we celebrate a life anchored in faith, shaped by service, and overflowing with love. We grieve with hope, confident in the resurrection promised through Jesus Christ. Elaine now lives fully in the presence of her Savior, healed, restored, and rejoicing, her faith made sight, her joy complete.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on March 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Walnut Hills Baptist Church, 1014 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, Virginia. A luncheon will follow.

Memorial gifts in honor of Elaine may be made to: the Alzheimer’s Association: https://donate.brightfocus.org/adr/donate