Celebration of Life - Lizzie Grady

LIZZIE LEE GRADY

RINE 23, 1941 -AUGUST 14, 2019 SUNRISE

SUNSET

MT. OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH, PHENIX CITY, AL AUGUST 22, 2019 AT 11 :00 AM

A Letter from Heaven When tomorrow starts without me, and I’m not here to see.

If the sun should rise and find your eyes, filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn’t cry, the way you did today.

While thinking of the many things, we didn’t get to say.

I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, And each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart.

-Words of Wisdom, Dave

Order of Service Prelude...................................................Soft Music & Video Tribute Processional............................................................Dr. Patrick Brown Scripture/Prayer................................................Pastor Isaiah Sumbry Song..............................................................................................Choir Tributes As a Friend, Mrs. Annie Lindsey As a Mother, Children Other Reflections/Expressions (Limit 2 minutes) Acknowledgements/Resolution..............................Dr. Patrick Brown Obituary (Read Silently)....................................................Soft Music Solo............................................................................Mr. Douglas July Eulogy...................................................................Bishop Wayne Babb Oasis Church International Phenix City, AL Recessional..............................................................Dr. Patrick Brown

Obituary On June 23, 1941, Hillie Brooks, Sr and Bessie Lee Hill welcomed their sixth child Lizzie Lee Brooks into their family. She was born in Russell County, Alabama.

Liz, Tee, or Honey, as she was called, was educated in the public schools of Russell County, and graduated from Mt. Olive High School in 1959 and was the top of her class.

At an early age, Lizzie confessed her life to Christ and was a dedicated member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Phenix City, AL. She was an active member of the choir. She later found a church home at Love Life Ministries (now known as Oasis Church International) in Phenix City, AL. At Oasis Church International, she sang in worship ministry and was a respected mother of the church.

She worked as a machine operator part of her life and was a dedicated worker at Dolly Madison. She also worked for the Phenix City Board of Education in the cafeterias at Ridgecrest Elementary School and at South Girard Jr. High School. She was a caterer and amazing chef. However, she is most admired because of her welcoming smile and her gentle spirit. She never met a stranger, and anyone who she encountered immediately became “family.” She touched everyone’s soul with singing and cooking and was often viewed as a pillar of unconditional love with no judgement. She always aspired to help and to give love and support to her family and extended family. So many of her nieces and nephews referred to her as “Grandma or Mama.”

Lizzie “Tee” Grady’s impact on the world is immeasurable and the number of people who were important to her is equally immeasurable. She loved all of her nieces and nephews dearly and so many were by her side up until the very end. Grandma Honey had a special love for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In fact, she was the caregiver for many of them. She cared for her granddaughters Aungelita Williams, Danielle Mahone, Alexandria Thomas, and Jessica Grady; her grandsons DeVeon Alexander, Eric Mahone and Brandon Eady; and her great-grandchildren Caleb Robinson, Joshua Williams, Kamryn Howard, and Zuri Jakes.

Lizzie leaves her fondest memories with her loving daughters, Dr. Jamie Williams, Fairburn, GA and Jacqueline Eady (Michael), Phenix City, AL; her son Charles Grady, Jr, Phenix City, AL; sister Brenda Tarver (George); brothers Rev. Jimmy Brooks (Addie), Phenix City, AL, Theo Brooks (Sandra), Columbus, GA. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hillie Brooks, Sr. and Bessie Brooks; her sister Katie Gamble (Wilbert); her brothers Cleveland Brooks (Pearlene), Hillie Brooks, Jr. (Sadie), Curtis Brooks (Earnestine), Walter Brooks, Sr. (Sallie),Willie Brooks (Brenda), Eddie Brooks, Sr.(Mattie), Harold Brooks (Seletha). In addition, Lizzie leaves a special nephew Derrick Taylor who she raised like a son; two special nieces, Tara Lynn and Regina Tarver who dedicated time to care for her in her last days; and a special friend Willie Adams; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Family Tribute

We sat beside your bedside, Our hearts were crushed And sore; We did our best to the end, ‘Til we could do no more.

In tears we watched you sinking, We watched you fade away; And though our hearts Were breaking, We knew you could not stay.

You left behind some aching hearts, That loved you most sincere; We never shall and never will Forget you Mama and GiGi dear.

Caring for you has created memories that shall never fade.

We love you and miss you, -Your children, grandchildren, & great-grandchildren

Family Tribute

To Our Sister, Liz We tried to keep you, but you could not stay because you were ready to go.

You represented many roles; moth-er, sister, caregiver, and friend. The many holiday celebrations, sitting at the table enjoying your cooking will truly be missed. Times of vacationing and shopping, or going out for brunch will also be missed.

We will miss the times of singing together whether with a choral group, a celebration, a wedding, or just sitting out in the yard.

We love you so much and cherish every moment we've had with you.

My Aunt My aunt was a woman who had smiles to brighten your days, who always made you feel good with her warm words of praise.

And what’s more she knew what to do to make wishes come true.

She was my aunt.

My aunt was someone who always had good stories to tell, but just as importantly she knew how to be a good listener as well.

She was patient and kind and the very best friend you could ever hope to find.

She was no ordinary person.

And I’m proud to tell the world that Lizzie whom we lovingly referred to as Tee, was my aunt.

Acknowledgements

Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly in a chair.

Perhaps you sent those beautiful flowers, that we saw sitting there.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, as any friend could say.

Perhaps you were not there at all, just thought of us that day.

Whatever you did to console our hearts, we thank you so much for every part.

We are eternally grateful for the prayers and acts of kindness shown during this time of bereavement.

May God continue to bless your families.

-The Family of Lizzie Grady

PO Box 2333 - 1514 Fifth Avenue Phenix City, AL 36868-2333 Office: (334) 298-0364 Fax: (334) 298-0186 Email: taylorfuneral@bellsouth.net Website: thetaylorfuneralhome.com

Pallbearers

Flower Bearers Nieces

Nephews

Interment

Mt. Olive Cemetary Phenix City, AL

Repast Oasis Church International 800 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy S Phenix City, AL 36869