Grace Clark Carey's Obituary
Grace Clark Carey of Ft. Myers, FL passed away Monday, December 15, 2014 at her home of natural causes. She was 98 years old. Grace was born May 21, 1916 in Athens, TN, the daughter of Charles and Amy Carpenter, both of TN. She grew up among the farmlands of Niota, TN along with her 3 brothers, Jewel, Thurmon, and Dillard, and her favorite aunt, Emaline, until the age of 8 years, when the family moved to Tampa, FL. Grace completed the 10thgrade at Hillsborough High School and accepted her first position as a nursing assistant at Tampa General Hospital until World War II. During the war, Grace demonstrated her stateside patriotism by joining the war effort making bombsights in Ft. Lauderdale, FL as well as working at the aircraft glider plant in Deland, FL. Here she met her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, Frances Earle Carey of Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. In September 1944, Grace and Frank stole away on their lunch break to get married at the courthouse only to return to work that afternoon, and were noted in the community for their devotion to their country. They enjoyed a long lasting love that spanned 4 decades and 2 children, united by their shared values of church, family, and community. They jointly owned and operated Forrest Hills Glass and Mirror Works in Tampa, FL before starting their family, remaining partners in parenthood by instilling their strong values in their children. Frank continued his work with Glass and Mirror Works before becoming a real estate broker while Grace remained at home as a devoted mother to their children. Grace is survived by her children, Terence Michael Carey, Sr. of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Sheila Carey-Merkle of Cape Coral, FL, along with daughter-in-law Shirley Baldt of Cape Coral, FL. She is survived by 5 grandchildren: Terence Michael Carey, Jr. of Cape Coral, FL, Craig Mathew Carver, II of Atlanta, GA, Jason Scott Carey of Cape Coral, FL, Garret Evan Carver of Lehigh Acres, FL, and Lauren Kristen Carver of Cape Coral, FL, along with grandchildren in-law Melodie Carey, Crisalida Carver, and Erik Underwood. She is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren: Austin Carey, Camryn Carey, Ariana Villela, and Hazen Carver, along with 1 great-grandchild in-law Rebecca Carey; and 1 great-great grandchild: Noah Carey. She will be deeply missed by all she touched with her incredible life and spark, including her dearest friend Mary Tanner of Ft. Myers, FL. Grace lived in Ft. Myers for 27 years and became a noted and beloved member of her community, known equally for her independence and her generosity. She prided herself first on her love for family and second on her strong work ethic, enjoying her work throughout her life, and working even on the day she died. She worked at Publix for 21 years and became a staple of the community through her predictable and caring presence there. Grace also enjoyed quilting, gardening, flower arranging, baking, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Family and friends are comforted to know Grace has met her Lord and Savior and rejoined her husband in heaven, while leaving a legacy of love and vitality that will undoubtedly carry on for generations.A Visitation will be held on Monday, December 22, 2014 from 3:00 – 5:00 PM in the Chapel at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, (239) 936-0555. A Memorial Service will be celebrated thereafter, also in the Chapel, by Pastor Robert Troupe of the City of Palms Apostolic Church. Refreshments will be served in the Colonial Family Center located on the adjacent cemetery grounds during the visitation and immediately following the Memorial Service. Burial will take place at 1:00 PM the following day, Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Garden of Memories Cemetery, 4207 East Lake Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33610, (813) 626-3161.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you instead consider a donation in Grace’s memory to the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, 3760 Fowler Street, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, (239) 334-7007 or on the internet at: www.harrychapinfoodbank.org/donateThose who wish to leave a tribute for Grace or offer condolences to her family are urged to visit her memorial webpage at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign the guestbook.
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