Ezelle Grace

Ezelle Grace, 100, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at Advocate Condell Medical Center. She was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on May 20, 1920, to Johnny and Mary Jane Greyeagle. Ezelle married her childhood sweetheart, Garfield (‘Desi B’) Grace Sr. She studied cosmetology and became a successful beautician. She made her own hair products. She was a well known gospel artist. It was once said of her that, Mahala Jackson was queen of the North, but Ezelle was queen of the South. Mother Grace became a very pious Christian. She was known by everyone, including: bishops, priests, monks and nuns, as, “Mother Grace.” She was always ready to tell everyone of the hope she had in Christ. Mother Grace was preceded in death by her husband, Garfield Grace Sr.; two sisters, Hattie L. Cammack and Ann M. Crutcher; two brothers, Richard Edwards Jr. and Harry C. Edwards; and three grandchildren, Karen L. Swanier, Willie Knighten Jr. and Stephen Knighten. She is survived by a son, Brother Garfield Grace Jr.; two daughters, Norma Jean Daniels and Carla (Billy) Hutchinson; six grandchildren, Sister Catherine Anthony, Kelvin (Suretha) Tate, Tyson (Sam) Moore, Pamela Daniels, Ernestine (Frank) Repasky and Barry Knighten; nine great-granchildren, Eddie Mckennie, Brandon Daniels, Donell Mckinney Jr., Michael Knighten, James Mckennie, Willie Knighten III, Stephen Knighten Jr., Michael Tate and Hunter Tate; two special sons whom she loved dearly, Robert Bernard (Jackie) Richardson and Wayne (B.J.) Reich; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-great granchildren, extended family and friends.