Grady Gaines Douglas

Grady was born on November 26, 1952, in Houston, Texas to the late Faye Marie Shotwell and Grady Lee Gaines. He was adopted at age 7 by his biological grandmother, Ethel Gaines Douglas, and her husband, Jack Douglas. Grady was the oldest brother of all his siblings. He attended Kashmere Gardens high school and later received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Texas Southern University and obtained his pharmacy license from the Texas State Board. By day, Grady worked as a pharmacist at various places including Eckerd's Pharmacy, Jefferson Davis Hospital, and LBJ hospital before working 40 years at Thomas Street Health Clinic, as well as multiple Baylor Teenage Health clinics in the greater Houston area. By night, Grady played saxophone with his band, Quiet Storm, at various events around Houston.

Grady was an inquisitive thinker, thorough teacher, loyal friend, and a fiercely dedicated father whose life was defined by his love for Christ Jesus. On December 28, 1984, Grady became a proud father to his beloved son Grayson Lloyd LaVergne. Later, he married the love of his life, Laquita Donatto Douglas, on December 11, 1987, and together they had four children Brady, Kord, Jalaina, and Jada Douglas. Among many things, Grady particularly liked facilitating family bible lessons at the kitchen table, cooking meals, and taking his family to live jazz events.

Grady loved all things related to Christ. He enjoyed studying the bible, reading books about Christianity, discussing biblical fundamentals, fellowshipping with his church community, and leading Bible study at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church every fourth Sunday. He completed a two-year program and earned a certificate to teach Biblical Framework and Principles from the Biblical Framework Counselor’s Association. Grady was a man of God through and through and always strived to live a life according to God’s word. We are comforted to know that God has welcomed him into Heaven with open arms.

Grady used his gift of music to enrich the lives of his family, friends, and the Houston community. From rocking the stage at Memorial Herman Park to serenading friends and family at private events, he created moments of joy and connection that will be cherished forever! Over his musical career, he recorded two albums: Quiet Storm: Smooth and Easy, released in 2000, and The Power of Agape Love, released in 2023.

Grady is preceded in death by: his maternal grandparents, Lacy Madie Hill and James Shotwell; paternal grandparents, Ethel Gaines Douglas and Jack Douglas; biological parents, Faye Shotwell- Iles and Grady Gaines; adopted parents, Ethel Gaines Douglas and Jack Douglas; brother, Abner Shotwell; son, Grayson LaVergne; nephews, Kevin Jones, Harvey Jones III, and Kendrick Shotwell.

Grady is survived by: his loving wife, Laquita; four children, Brady, Kord (Laura), Jalaina, Jada; three grandchildren, Morgan, Grayson II, Titus; twelve siblings, Gary, Debra (CB), Linda (Albert), Rayfield (Johnetta), Vernon (Demetria), Kenneth (Matilda), Curtis Jr. (Leslie), Wanda, Twanna, Roosevelt, Sutanya, Darrick (Linh).