Patricia Ann Grace (née Eaton)

Patricia Ann Grace , affectionately known as "Trish Ann," passed away on August 14, 2025, in Atlanta, GA. Born on January 22, 1952, in Bertie County, NC, Patricia was the eldest daughter of the late Ruth Ann Riley and the late George Eaton, Jr. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age, a faith that guided her throughout her life.

Patricia was a proud graduate of Huntington High School's class of 1970 in Newport News, VA. Her passion for education led her to earn a Bachelor of Education degree from Voorhees College in Denmark, SC, after attending Norfolk State University and Florida Memorial College. She was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Patricia's career as an educator was her true calling. She touched countless lives in classrooms across Washington, Florida, and Georgia. Her love for history and empowerment was evident in her teaching and advocacy for education.

Patricia leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She is survived by her devoted husband of 32 years, Herbert Grace of Fort Valley, GA; her beloved son, MaShan Kortez Eaton, and grandsons Dejion and Patrick Eaton, all of Rex, GA; her stepfather, Charlie Riley of Newport News, VA; her sisters, Dorothy Eaton and McGwlynn Lloyd of Hampton, VA, Lisa Eaton-Wilkins of Bertie County, NC, Luvenia Eaton and Verdeen Robinson of NY; her brother, Wallace Lee of Bertie County, NC; her stepchildren, Herbert Carl Grace of Fayetteville, GA, Nekenjie Tarver of Stone Mountain, GA, and Shemeka Mitchell of Atlanta, GA; her niece, Kimberly Thomas (Eric) of Hampton, VA; her brothers-in-law, Artha Grace (Nannetta) of Macon, GA, Willie F. Grace of Union City, GA, and David Grace (Phyllis) of Warner Robbins, GA; and a very special aunt, Blannie Mae Wiggins of Bertie County, NC. She also leaves behind a host of other aunts, uncles, cousins, family, and friends who span the globe.

Patricia's warmth, dedication, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy as an educator and advocate for empowerment will continue to inspire future generations.

Viewing will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 11:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel, 1601-27th Street, Newport News, Va. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the funeral chapel. Interment will be held in Albert G. Horton, Jr. at a later date.