Our hearts are heavy, yet full of gratitude for the time we had with Grace. It's impossible to sum up someone so full of life, creativity, and love in just a few words-but we'll try, because she deserves every word and more.
Grace was a gift to our family in every sense of the word. She didn't just come into our lives- she was prayed for, believed for, hoped for with all our hearts. She and Shawn were answers to so much prayer. And from the moment she came into our lives, she brought a light, joy, and a depth of love that changed us all.
Grace had a kind heart-the kind that truly saw people. She saw when someone needed a word of encouragement, a laugh, or just a little bit of love-and she gave it freely. While others rushed past, caught up in their own lives, Grace noticed what others missed.
Her sense of humor was unique-clever, morbid, and usually wrapped in some form of sarcasm or a dad joke. She had this way of making you laugh without even trying. It was one of the many ways she lit up a room.
Music was a glimpse into Grace's soul. She loved all kinds-what made her unique wasn't just her love for music-it was that she created it. She was a songwriter, pouring her heart into lyrics and melodies. The songs she wrote were windows into her soul-raw, real, and full of feeling.
Her creativity knew no bounds. She painted, baked, and wrote with an artist's eye and heart. Everything she touched became an expression of who she was-colorful, bold, and uniquely beautiful.
Grace was a natural leader. In almost every job she had, she rose to become a manager-not because she chased the title, but because people trusted her. She led with grace (true to her name), strength, and empathy. People looked up to her-and rightly so.
She loved her comfort-oversized sweatshirts, soft blankets, and especially her slippers, which she wore like they were designer shoes. It was part of her charm, that blend of confidence and coziness that made everyone feel at ease around her.
Despite her strength and maturity, she held onto a childlike spirit. She was often lighthearted and fun. She gave rare five-second hugs that somehow said everything words couldn't. Those little moments of affection meant the world to those who were lucky enough to receive them.
Grace loved animals-sometimes more than people, if we're being honest-and she had a soft spot for every creature she came across. She had a gift for caring, for nurturing, whether it was a stray cat or a friend going through a hard time.
Grace thought more of others than she did of herself. It was in her nature- compassionate, instinctive, deep thinker, and generous. She would talk through a friend's hard day, even if she had her own struggles tucked away. She had a deep empathy- She didn't just listen to people; she felt with them. She saw people who were often overlooked and made them feel seen, valued, and loved. Her love was quiet but powerful. She loved hard. These were gifts she gave freely, again and again.
Grace didn't measure her worth by what she had or what she accomplished- but by how she made others feel. And anyone who knew her felt loved, accepted, and safe. That was her gift to the world: a heart that always made room for others, even when her own was heavy.
Her love taught us more about God's love. Grace's faith was the quiet strength behind so much of who she was. She had a real, personal relationship with God- one that wasn't showy or loud, but deep, steady, and sincere. She didn't just talk about God's love- she lived it in the way she showed kindness. She never lost sight of where her story began: which is why she carried so much compassion for others.
We love you, Grace. You were a gift. And your story, your spirit, will live in eternity. You are not just part of our yesterdays but part of our forever.
***For those attending the service, we encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable in honor of Grace's love for casual clothes and making others feel welcome. Slippers are definitely invited as those were a personal favorite.
***Please send all floral deliveries directly to Church on the Move, Broken Arrow, 1205 E Kenosha St, Broken Arrow, OK, from 2 - 4 PM on Wednesday, or Thursday morning by 9 AM.