Anne Banks Grace

On January 10th, 2026, Dorothy Anne Banks gained her heavenly wings. She was known as Anne to all her friends and loving wife, Sugar, Mom, Two Momma, Grandma, Sister, Aunt and Cousin to a very lucky family who loved her dearly. Anne was the consummate hostess and always made you feel welcome with her warm demeanor and southern hospitality charm. She was an amazing cook and would frequently host parties for family and friends at her and Forbes’ Delaware Ave home. They loved to entertain and be surrounded by those they loved. Her smile was infectious and her humor witty and uplifting. Her back scratches were legendary as time would stand still with her gentle touch. She was a great listener and accepted you as you were, with love, understanding, and support. Her optimism, positive outlook, and gratefulness of the blessings she was provided in life were keystones for the encouragement she poured into others. Later in life when asked how she was doing, she would consistently say “pretty good for an ole woman!” with a smile and a laugh. She was always interested in your wellbeing and wanted to make sure you were good, comfortable, and had everything you needed. She did not want you “fussing” about her or for her…she wanted to do all the “fussing” for you. The warmth and love you felt in her company was something heartfelt and special and will be missed dearly by everyone lucky enough to have experienced it.

Anne was born and raised in Sykesville, Maryland by George and Dorothy Banks along with her younger sister Marcella. She married Clyde W. Simpson in 1944, settled in Jacksonville, FL in 1948 and had three children: Banks, Amy, and Rae. She worked for General Motors for 30 years until her retirement. After retirement, she volunteered for the Salvation Army Auxiliary, St. Vincent’s Hospital Auxiliary, the Good Samaritan Group, and St. Marks Episcopal Church. In 1970, Anne married the love her life, Forbes Dean Grace and became a stepmom to Mary, Dean, and Mona and gained an amazing family of brothers & sisters in-law. Anne and Forbes were inseparable and enjoyed 44 wonderful years together until Forbes’ passing. After 74 years living in Jacksonville, Anne moved to Seminole, FL. in 2023 to be closer to her daughter Amy and family.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents George and Dorothy Banks, sister Marcella Hodges (Tom), husband Forbes Grace, sons Rae Simpson, Banks Simpson and Dean Grace.

Survivors include daughters Amy Simpson Dyson, Mona Cologne (Bland), Mary Hart (Bill), brothers/sisters in-laws Dudley Grace, Robert & Betty Grace, eight grandchildren, a whole bunch of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday February 14th at 11:00 am at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32210 with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation as a tribute to Anne to Sulzbacher Center Jacksonville (https://sulzbacherjax.org/) or Young Life - Pinellas County Urban FL218 (https://giving.younglife.org/).