Gracie Thomas gained her heavenly wings on January 16, 2022. Gracie, also known as Momma Gracie to many was born December 23, 1942, to James Grant and Edna Taylor in Yantley, Alabama. Gracie met her husband, Jessie Thomas, the love of her life in Alabama and they relocated to Akron, Ohio in 1965. Gracie was a very dedicated and devoted Wife, Mother, Grandmother and loved all her family with her whole heart. Gracie accepted the Lord at a very young age and was a faithful member at United Baptist Church as well as Second Baptist Church.

Gracie loved to always worship and praise the Lord. As a teenager she played basketball and ran track at Kinibish High School and her love for basketball carried on throughout her life. She also enjoyed going to the racetrack, having family gatherings, and cooking. Gracie worked at Metropolitan Housing and later owned and operated her own soul food business (Prime Choice) for 20 years.

Gracie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jessie Thomas; parents, Claude and Edna Taylor; biological father, James Grant; beloved son, Ervin Thomas; grandsons, Angelo “Gig” Banks and Dominque Thomas; siblings, Eddie Taylor, Robert Taylor, Sarah Taylor, Barbara Mitchell, Claudia Taylor and Stella Taylor; uncle, Jimmy Taylor; nephews, Anthony “Ed” Taylor, Reggie Woodall; niece, Sharon Thomas.

Gracie leaves to cherish her loving memory her children, Leroy (Gladys) Grant, Eddie (Aundra) Grant, Terrance Thomas, Dora Ann Thomas, Carolyn (Marcus) Reliford and LaShawnna Taylor; loving step mother, Marva Grant; brothers, Walter (Teresa) Johnson, James Grant, Keith Grant and Michel Davis; sisters, Bonnie Mills, Elmira Peaches (Fred) Taylor, Helen Brooks of Las Vegas Nevada and Denise Grant of Chicago, IL; sister-in-law, Gloria Thomas; special nephews, Eddie May field and Robert Mitchell; special nieces, Patricia Davis and Ruhnell Burton; special cousin, Desi Townsend and special friends, Sharon Toney, Mary Pruitt, Renae Taylor and Tyrone Peaks of Youngstown, Oh; 35 grandchildren and multitudes of great grandchildren; nieces, Shawnne McWain and Leslie Taylor and niece/daughter, Annie Walker; cousins, Annie B. Johnson and Juanita Johnson and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends whom love and will miss her dearly.