Grace Ball

A Celebration of Life for Grace Ball, 82, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, June 30, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Denman Avenue Baptist Church with Pastor Jeff Moats and Brother Ron Meadows officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Grace was born February 19, 1930 in Liberty County, Texas to the late William Shirley and Ollie (McDaniel) Greer, and died Thursday, June 28, 2012 in a local hospital.

Grace had many joys in her life and celebrated them constantly. Her first joy was her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a dedicated and devoted wife to her husband Nelson for over 64 years, and a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a regular and supporting member of the Denman Avenue Baptist Church where for many years you could find her in the choir loft every Sunday morning singing her praises to God. She also sang in a women's group, the Jubilees, and loved every moment of practicing and singing in church. Grace was a prolific reader, preferring Christian fiction, and loved and excelled at her daily crossword puzzles. She was a daily Jeopardy fan.

Grace was a wonderful role model for her family, her friends and strangers, always ready to share a positive perspective on any situation. As a testimony to her influence, she has three granddaughters and one great-granddaughter named Grace.

She married Nelson Ball in 1947 in San Angelo, Texas and they remained in love for over 64 years, showing their affection by holding hands in public, always sharing their love with a gentle kiss or smile. Their selfless love was an example to her children and grandchildren of how real love should look.

Her faith and her family were at the top of her priorities, and she was always ready to share her love of her Lord. She showed the essence of true Grace, just as her name implied.

Survivors include her husband, Nelson Ball of Lufkin; sons and daughters-in-law, Douglas and Vicki Ball of Overland Park, Kansas and Dan Allen and Teresa Ball of Friendswood; daughters and son-in-law, Patricia and Michael Hutchison of Shreveport, Louisiana and Wanda Shunk of Lansing, Michigan; 12 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Greer of San Angelo; sisters, Dorothy Harbor of Waco, Emma Jean Whitfield of Baytown and Edith Davis of Mont Belvieu; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 West Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904 or the Denman Avenue Baptist Church Music Department, P.O. Box 1351, Lufkin, Texas 75902 are encouraged.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. Saturday morning prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.