Grace Alexander Williams Gaither

Grace Alexander Williams Gaither passed away July 12, 2017 peacefully at her home in Newton, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her husband, Junius Robert Gaither Jr. also of Newton, North Carolina. Grace was born December 27, 1924 in Hickory, North Carolina, the youngest daughter of Hugh Preston Williams and his wife Adele Kirkpatrick Williams. She is survived by her three sons: Hugh Robert Gaither and his wife Julia Hunt Gaither of Charlotte, Junius Michael Gaither and his wife Elizabeth Sturgen Gaither of Charlotte and Andrew Long Gaither and his wife Mary Ann Gaither of Orange, California. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

Grace was a graduate of Converse College with a degree in English and attended graduate school at Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. Grace shared her time between family and her spirit of giving by being active in many community activities as well as active both at First Presbyterian Church for many years and at the Christian Science Society of Hickory. She was very active in the League of Women Voters and was recently recognized for fifty years of membership in that organization and with her husband was instrumental in the creation of the Love-n-Care Day Care Center located in Newton.

In 1998 Grace was the Recipient of the Newton Unity Award for "outstanding service to the Newton Community and for her example in fostering improved community relations among the races and cultures in the community”. Grace was a charter member of the Bas Bleu Club of Newton and participated in several bridge groups for most of her adult life.

Grace was a member of the Christian Science Church believing in their teachings but held a deep love for the Presbyterian Church, their ministers and members. Grace appreciated their kind friendship with her. After the Christian Science Society of Hickory was disbanded and she and her husband moved to Abernethy Laurels she rejoined the Presbyterian Church of Newton and was active in attendance and enjoyed the support the community provided.

The family wishes to thank all the personnel at Abernethy Laurels for their kind and loving care for Grace after the death of her husband and especially after her move from their home on Sink Lane to her apartment in the main building.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory can be made to First Presbyterian Church Fund for the Chapel, 701 North Main Avenue, Newton, NC 28658 or to Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry, Inc., PO Box 31, Newton, NC 28658.

A service to celebrate her life is planned for 2:00 o’clock PM this Saturday July 15, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church in Newton, North Carolina. The family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service.