Mildred Carolyn Lewis Grace

Mildred Carolyn Lewis Grace, born Mildred Carolyn Gregory, was born on March 14, 1947, in Union City, South Carolina, to the late T.C. and Maddie Gregory. Mildred was raised by her adoptive parents, the late Luther and Bessie Bell Gregory, and was brought up in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Mildred was a brilliant student in her early school years and graduated from Emmit T. Scott High School with honors at the age of 17.

After graduating from Knoxville College in 1968, Mildred began her career in Northwest Indiana, where she became a vital part of Chicago, Illinois's pioneering early childhood education teaching programs. In the same year, she was hired by the Gary Community School Corporation as a preschool teacher. For nearly five decades, Mildred dedicated herself to educating students from kindergarten to second grade, using every available resource to provide them with exceptional education. Her unwavering commitment to education led to numerous awards and honors. She was entrusted with implementing an Afrocentric Curriculum in collaboration with GCSC and Dr. Molefi Kete Asante and later served as one of the curriculum developers within the school system. Mildred's professional education journey within the Gary Community School Corporation spanned several schools, including Pulaski Early Learning Center, Charles R. Drew Elementary, Frederick Douglas Elementary, and David O. Duncan, before ultimately leading her to Frankie Woods- McCullough Girls Leadership Academy. She also served as the former building union representative of the American Federation of Teachers, Local 4, President of the Gary Reading Council, International Reading Association, Lifetime NAACP member, and United Way Member, demonstrating her leadership and dedication. Mildred inspired and motivated students and parents in the Gary Community.

Mildred was distinguished member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, the oldest academic honor society in the United States, which recognized her scholarly achievements. She furthered her education by graduating from GMOR Theological Institute of America Midwest Region and earning a Doctoral Certificate in Theological Studies.

Mildred was also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority, founded on January 15, 1908, at the historically black Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Mildred's faith in the Lord was unwavering, providing her with strength and guidance. She was a tireless caregiver, continually putting others before herself, a testament to her strong faith and selflessness. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Mildred was a loving daughter, wife, and sister to Jennie Pearl Tucker Young, deceased, and Melvin Luther Gregory. She was also a loving grandmother and great-grandmother and admired aunt, great-aunt, and friend to many. Her family was the center of her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Mildred's life was a testament to her unwavering commitment to education, her community, and her family. Mildred's cunning and remarkable humor helped to create many quotes and quips that filled everyone with merriment, laughter, wisdom, and advice provided direction. Her prayers were protection amid the storm !

We cherish the memory of Mildred, who leaves behind her eternally grateful son, Gregory Bertrand (Latina) Lewis. Mildred was a devoted and dedicated mother, fondly known as "Mommie-Lady" to Tamiko LaToya Grace and David (Irma) Grace; her grandchildren, Mileek, Mahqueese, Kevon, Ahsia, Anthony, Howard, Jr., and Ciera; her energetic great-grandchildren, Kasen, LaTreal,LaNiyah, Jersey, Violet, Hope, Howard, III, and Hero Norman.

Mildred is also survived by her beloved sisters, Nectar Louise (Theresa) Harvey and Dalene Richardson; her fabulous brothers, Elder Melvin L. Gregory, Dennis Hill, Eddie Hill, Darrell (Toni) Hill, Calvin Hill, Kevin (LaTonya) Hill, and Rev. Norwood (Beverly) Hills; her sage godmother, Betty Upshaw, and caring god sisters, Sonja Y. (Larry) Evans, Alice Faye Bone-Oliver, Dianne Brandford, Myra Akins, Patricia (Ronald) Bandy, Gloria (Howard) King, Jacqueline C. Haggard, Ernestine Miles, Maude Williams, and Cheryl Walker godbrother, Louis Fletcher, and special goddaughters, LaTanya A. Cross, Debra Howard, and Belinda Turner; outstanding godsons, JaiKevin Thomas, Edward (Margie) E. Banks, Keith Lucks, Jonte' Riley, and Nathaniel Shaw, Jr.; talented nephews and nieces; great-nieces and nephews, and an infinite number of attentive and unforgettable cousins, other relatives, co-workers, neighbors, Family Christian Center brothers, sisters, and acquaintances, and life-long friends.

Memorial Services Thursday, August 1, 2024 from Family Christian Center 340 45th Street Munster, Indiana 46321

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