Mr. Lester Marvin Grace

Lester Marvin Grace was born on January 20, 1930 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the union of Cornice and Alice Mae Grace. He was one of six children. He attended Lincoln High School and graduated in 1948. Shortly after graduation, he entered the United States Army. He served three areas of the Army and was honorably discharged in October, 1951. Lester accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Calvary Baptist Church in 1936. He maintained his membership with Calvary for the past 80 years and has been acknowledged as one of the longest standing members of the church. During this time, he was actively involved in many capacities of the church which included; serving on the Usher Board, Sunday School Teaching Staff, Secretary of the Joint Board of Trustees and Deacons, Secretary of the Men's Fellowship, Assistant Church Treasurer, Advisor to the Deaconess Board, Parliamentarian, volunteer for the church food pantry and was a member of many church sub-committees. In 1977, Lester was ordained as a Deacon under the Reverend Roy B. Nabors and served as Chairman for seven years; achieving the status of Deacon Emeritus in September, 2009. As a native of Milwaukee, Lester was well known in the community as the "Ice Man" as he would make daily rounds of delivering blocks of ice which was used for non-mechanical refrigerators, known as ice boxes. Lester was employed by American Motors/Chrysler Corporation and retired after thirty- three and a half years of service in June, 1985. In addition to his dedication to Calvary Baptist Church, Lester was involved in several Masonic endeavors which began when he received his Master Masons Degree from Widow's Son Lodge #1 in June, 1958. He served as Worshipful Master from 1980-1982, thrice Potent Master oflonic Consistory #70, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was the Grand Custodian of Prince Hall Masonic Foundation, Member of Zembo Temple #70, Secretary of Golden Ark #1 R.A.M., Past Patron of Sarah's Joy Chapter #8, O.E.S., State of Wisconsin, P.H.A. and was also a volunteer for the Order of Eastern Star's Food Pantry. When time permitted, Lester enjoyed doing volunteer work at the Milwaukee Bradley Center and was a member of AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) #4035. His hobbies included reading, traveling and outdoor grilling as one of his favorite foods were barbequed ribs. He was united in holy matrimony to Willa Kelly on January 22, 1966. God blessed their union with one daughter, Katherine Alice. Lester Marvin Grace departed this life on December 8, 2016. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Cornice Grace and John R. Grace; and sisters, Joyce Welch and Elizabeth Morgan. He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife of 50 years, Willa Grace; daughter, Jacquelyn Kelly; granddaughter, Tanisha Ware, affectionately known as "Jumping Jack"; sister, Christine Kennis; nieces, Gloria Grace, Sheila Knox, Joy Morgan-Donaldson, Paulette Kelly, Patte Rehak, Portia Cross, Tanya Welch, Diane Staples and Linda Kennis, nephews, Cornice D. Grace, John R. Grace, Michael Morgan, Dennis Cross, Kenneth Cross and David Cross; and a host of other relatives and close friends.

Mr. Lester Marvin Grace

January 20, 1930 - December 8, 2016