Grace McGhee English

Grace McGhee English, age 75 of Griffin passed away on June 9, 2018.

Grace was born on June 23, 1942 in Fulton County. Herfamily moved to Griffin when she was two years old. She is preceded in death by her husband, Alton English, parents, Reverend Hoyt S. and Laura McGhee, sister Olenia McGhee Morris, sister Hilda McGhee Jett, and brother Norman McGhee; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Troy and Doris English; sister-in-law, Josie English brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Milton and Cornelia English; Larry English and Phyllis English; brother-in-law Paul Peek, Ben McMichael, and Wayne English

Grace is survived by her son and daughter-in-law David and April English; son and daughter-in-law Dennis and Dottie English; her beloved granddaughters, Chandler English, Claire Ann English and Caroline English plus mother of Caroline, Katheryne Fields all of Griffin; sister Jeanette McMichael; sister and brother-in-law Phyllis and Harold Shepherd; brother and sister-in-law Hilton and Katrina McGhee; brother and sister-in-law David and Norma McGhee; brother-in-law Tommy Jett; brother and sister-in- law Wynn and Yvonne McGhee; sister-in-law Esther English, brother-in-law Tommy Jett, all of Griffin; sister-in-law Carol English of Milner; along with several nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

Grace was a gifted musician, playing the organ for her father’s church Emanuel Tabernacle, and later at New Hope Baptist Church in Pike County. Along with her sisters Phyllis and Hilda, she sang for over 44 years as a member of the Emmanuel Trio, a southern gospel group and traveled throughout the southeast appearing in concerts, churches, and television. The trio also recorded several albums that made the playing list of numerous radio stations.

Grace will be remembered for her beautiful smile and encouraging words. She had a servant’s heart and loved working with people who needed a hand. Her heart’s desire was to make a difference in the lives of those around her. She dearly loved, and was sincerely loyal to them, especially to her granddaughters.

Grace began working part time for Spalding County Parks and Recreation in 1980, and then went full time in 1987. She retired in 2008 as administrative assistant after being affiliated with parks and recreation for 40 years, a longtime volunteer in the community, becoming a full-time volunteer of Parks and Recreation in 1968. Grace was a long time member of Griffin First Assembly of God where she taught a 4 year old Sunday School Class for several years. She had a heart for missions and the Master’s Commission students as she lovingly supported those causes. She was an active and dedicated member of Kiwanis Club of Griffin, having served as the first female President in 2000-2001and the first female Lt. Governor of Division 12 in 2004-2005. She was a member of several committees but was especially devoted to Special Needs Kids and Senior Citizens. She received the Pillar of the Community award, because of her work and dedication to the youth and seniors in Spalding County.

A visitation for Grace will be Sunday, June 10, 2018 from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm at Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Following the visitation funeral service will be in the Chapel. Dr. Randy Valimont will officiate. Interment will follow in Rock Springs Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family would like you to please consider making a contribution to the Hope House of Eternal Hope Hospice 123 N. 18th Street, Griffin, Georgia 30223 or the Humane Society in memory of Grace.

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