Grace O’Neil Spivey Howell, 95, passed away peacefully at home April 17, 2017, surrounded by those blessed to be born, her children.

Grace was born on March 22, 1922 in Isle of Wight County to the late John and Ethel Spivey. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Marion Ellsworth Howell, whom she continued to love and mourn all of her days. Her children now rejoice that Mom and Dad have been reunited in their spiritual life along with daughters, Glenda Howell Minga and Baby Girl Howell, her brothers, Alton and William Spivey, their wives, Ducky and Nellie, and nephew, Johnny.

Grace was an amazing mother to daughter, Gloria Price and son-in-law, Jim, of whom she thought as her own, and daughter, Gina Buckner.

Grace was a doting Granny to grandchildren whose mission was to make her laugh and dance a little step: Jamey, Jeff (Susan), Holly (Joe), Traci, Byron, John (Chrissy), Glenie (Dale), Bill (Angie), Courtney (Brandon), and Casey (Kyle).

Left to cherish and carry on Granny Grace’s bright, sparkling light are 22 great-grandchildren, including a soon-to-be baby boy, Keagen, and three great-great grandchildren.

Grace was devoted to her family and gave her love freely to all including her sister-in-law, Ann Howell Pierce, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Grace was a faithful servant of Colosse Baptist Church where lifelong friendships blessed her and through her still today, our family.

For 33 devoted years, Grace made smile many an Isle of Wight County student when they stepped on to school bus 4 or 23 to see what outlandishly bedazzled outfit she would have on.  Amazing Grace, in her later years, spent many a day shopping or lunching at Burger King, or shooting the moon during a round of Rook with members of her Colosse Posse and Windsor Widows’ Club while picking up a few new recruits along the way.

 The love of Grace’s life was her family and her favorite thing was to have all of her children’s feet under the table for a meal together. She was happiest when feeding the flock and spending time as a family. Amazing Grace was the glue that bound her family together and together we will remain as we cherish our memories and sit down to her table tonight.

The family will receive friends at Grace’s home on the farm. A visitation will be held Thursday April 20, 2017 from 6 to 7:30 PM at R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory 509 W Washington St., Suffolk. A funeral service and celebration of Grace’s life will be held 2 PM Friday, April 21, 2017 at Colosse Baptist Church 6361 Rhodes Dr., Windsor, VA with Rev. Tim Webb officiating. Condolences may be offered at www.RWBaker.FH.com.