Mrs. Grace Ethelyn Blakely

In Loving Memory Of: Grace Ethelyn Blakely, born on November 5, 1928, in Jefferson City, Missouri, was the 5th daughter born to two educators, Arthur and Violet Hammons. She was educated in Jefferson City at Washington Elementary School, Lincoln University High School, and Lincoln University. In 1952, Grace married James F. Blakely and from this union were born two sons, James Jr. (who preceded her in death), Jonathan, and one daughter, Tracy. Her husband, James, also preceded her in death. Raised in a Christian home, Grace accepted Christ at an early age. She joined St. John’s Presbyterian Church, in Detroit, MI in 1952. She was an ordained Elder and a Deacon. She also served as a member on the Stewardship Committee, and Altar Guild. Grace was compassionate and mild-mannered and had many friends. She was eager to help others and did many things just to bring smiles to their faces. She volunteered her time at the Mother Waddles social services agency called the ‘Perpetual Mission’ in the 1960s. Other community affiliations were the Presbyterian Neighborhood Services Board of Directors, Martin Luther King Jr. High School Advisory Council, and the Lincoln University Alumni Association. Grace was employed by the Detroit Board of Education and the Michigan Department of Labor. She worked for the Department of Labor for twenty-one years and nine months from which she retired in 1993. She was well-liked and received numerous commendations from the department. She also received a note of congratulations for dedicated service from President Bill Clinton. Her coworkers became friends and many remained in touch with her on a regular basis. Grace had an appreciation for all types of music and loved to sing. She also loved art and photography. After the death of her husband, she became involved with the Luella Hannan Center, an organization whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for seniors. It was there where Grace spent almost 20 years flourishing in the arts. She was a member of the Hannan Choir, performing for special occasions at Hannan, singing at nursing homes, the annual Noel Night, and other venues. She was an actor in the Hannan Players Theatre Group, where she performed in various plays at Hannan, the Charles Wright Museum of African American History, and other community events. Through Senior Voice, another Hannan Foundation program, Grace produced several award-winning Town Hall Meeting events. She was also a talk show co-host on an Internet podcast. Grace continued learning by taking writing classes that inspired collaboration between seniors and students in middle school, high school, and college. Grace was very creative and expressed her talent through her beautiful paintings and ceramic pieces. She was a participant of the Friday Fine Arts Class and some of her work was on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts and Carr Center. Her paintings won awards at the Michigan State Fair, one of which included a blue ribbon! Her work was also on exhibit at various galleries and art shows throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. In 2017, the Hannan Foundation hosted their inaugural 70 Over 70 Impact Awards program. It reflects the diverse interest and accomplishments and lifestyles of older adults in metro Detroit. Grace was bestowed the Lifetime Learning Award, exemplifying her never-ending pursuit of knowledge at the age of 89. Throughout her 92 years, Grace touched and left a positive impact on many lives. She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Jonathan Blakely (Anita), and her daughter, Rev. Dr. Tracy Thompson (Rev. Dr. Bill Thompson); grandsons LaMont Suggs (Sarah), James Sweet, and Jonathan Blakely II; granddaughter, Kristin Blakely Davis (Ryan); great-grandsons, Jordan Sweet, Juwante Sweet, James Sweet, Jukari Sweet, and Ryan Davis; great-granddaughters, Kamaria Suggs, Kalea Suggs, and Keira Suggs; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Mrs. Grace Ethelyn Blakely

November 5, 1928 - May 16, 2021