of Batesville, AR
November 2, 1940 - December 15, 2017
Nancy Lou Leonard Grace, 77, of Batesville, Ark. passed away Dec. 15, 2017. She was born on Nov. 2, 1940, to Louise and Quenten Leonard of Batesville.
A graduate of Batesville High School, Nancy attended Arkansas College (now Lyon College) in Batesville. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Batesville and served also as a deacon and a historian of the church. She was a former member of the Batesville Junior Auxiliary and served as an officer. She was also past president of the Batesville Symphony League and served as a board member of the Batesville Historical Society. Nancy was also a member of the Chapter B.Q. of P.E.O. and the Batesville Collectors Club.
Preceded in death by her parents, Nancy is survived by her husband of 57 years, Preston Windham Grace, Jr.; her children, Preston ''Chip'' Grace III and daughter-in-law, Tonia; Charlotte ''Candi'' Grace and her partner, Annette Hurley; John Robert ''Rob'' Grace; and Mollie Grace Smith and Ken Smith. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Will Grace, Carly Mace (along with her husband, Chris Mace), Hannah Grace, Hutton Grace, Jacob Smith, and Sam Smith; one great-grandson-to-be, Owen Windham Mace; a brother-in-law, Barnett Grace and sister-in-law, Greer; and three nephews.
The family would like to graciously and lovingly thank Jonathan Hunter, Jerri Gallap, Roy Roberts, Tracy Clem, Dr. Seth Barnes, Dr. Doug Bernard, Dr. Nisha Viswanathan, Dr. Athan Stoyioglou, Melinda Melton, and every aide, caregiver and nurse who attended and cared for Nancy.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church, 775 Boswell St., in Batesville.
Pallbearers are Jim Buchanan, Eddie House, Barnett Grace, Jonathan Hunter, Butch Ketz, Rusty Ketz, Ray LaCroix, Max McElmurry, and Ken Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Seth Barnes, Dr. Doug Bernard, Charles Barnett, Nelson Barnett, Mark Higginbothom, Hutton Grace, Will Grace, Chris Mace, Roy Roberts, Jacob Smith and Sam Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 775 E. Boswell Street, Batesville, AR 72501 or to Arkansas Children's Hospital, 1 Children's Way, Slot 661, Little Rock, AR 72202.
Funeral arrangements will be handled by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville.
Craig and I are so very sorry for your loss of Miss Nancy. Sending you prayers and sympathy.
Candi, Chip and Rob --you are all in my thoughts and prayers --Jan Burrow Qualls
Really going to miss Nan Nan. She always took such good care of me whenever I was at the house. Thankful that I got to spend so much time with her growing up
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
So very sorry about Mrs. Grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
In Christ,
Mark & Laura Morris
So sorry to learn of the loss of Nancy.
Lots of fond memories during my years in Batesville working with the Grace family.
Prayers and condolences to Preston Jr. and the family.
Gary Pugh
I will always remember Nancy as that beautiful and lively teenager at West Side Baptist Church where we both attended. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Charlene Handford Barlow
Dear "Grace" Family - I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to each of you for the recent loss and passing of Nancy. Many of my fondest and happy memories were spent sharing time with all of you. Nancy was a beautiful lady and shared her kindness with everyone she knew. My heartfelt condolences and sincere wishes of love I share with you.
We are so very sorry for your loss of Nancy. May your cherished memories of her bear testament to her exemplary life and bring peace and comfort to your family. Our prayers are with you. Mary and Bill Menard
Rob,Butch and family so sorry to hear about Mrs.Grace she was always so nice to me. Your family in in my thoughts and prayers
Debbie Tate
so sorry for your family may God be with you at this time what a sweet beautiful lady she was janice fuller
So very sorry to hear about Nancy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. May you allow God to give you comfort, strength and peace.
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Nancy. May God comfort the Family during their loss. Our thoughts are with you.
So sorry to lose such a beautiful person. Will be in town one day too late for the service.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
My thoughts and prayers for your family.
My condolences and prayernto the family.