Gracie Markcum

Grace was born in Virginia on March 10, 1947, to William H. and June (Shortridge) Boyd. She was a woman who believed in continuing to learn and grow. Originally having only a second-grade education, Grace went on to earn her GED in 1988, followed by her high school diploma in 1989. That same year, she received her Dental Assistant Certificate from Brighton Community Education in Brighton, Michigan. In 1990, she continued her education by earning her Cosmetology License from Brighton Institute of Cosmetology. She was never satisfied with simply doing enough—Grace was an overachiever who showed that determination and perseverance can overcome any obstacle.

Grace married Bobby Lee Markcum of Kings Mountain, NC, on April 23, 1966. Together they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in April 2026.

Grace was a member of Cornerstone Church of God in Kings Mountain, NC, where she had a deep and abiding passion for serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith was an important part of who she was and how she lived her life.

Grace loved singing and traveling with her husband, Bob, and together they were part of The Brighten Airs, a Southern Gospel group they co-led from 1970 through 2022. During those years, they recorded approximately 19 albums and made countless friends along the way. In their later years, Grace and Bob also hosted a television show out of Tazewell, Virginia.

Another great passion in Grace’s life was photography. She absolutely loved her pictures and took photographs of everyone and every place she visited. Her love of photography could be seen throughout her home, from the photo albums filling every nook and cranny to the framed pictures covering the walls. She had a special gift for capturing memories and making sure the people and moments she loved would never be forgotten.

Grace was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Bobby Lee Markcum; her four daughters, Lela Marie (Scott) Lazaros of Anchorage, AK; Ammie Wynn of Kings Mountain, NC; Christina (Darlington) Markcum of Charlotte, NC; and Amanda (Richie) Parnell of Watkinsville, GA.

She leaves behind her grandchildren: Shaughn (Elizabeth) Lazaros of Anchorage, AK; Matthew (Shayna) Lazaros of Soldotna, AK; Nathaniel (Janice) Lazaros of Anchorage, AK; Jeremiah Lazaros of Anchorage, AK; Micah Parnell of Watkinsville, GA; and Luke Parnell of Watkinsville, GA.

Her great-grandchildren include Ronan Lee Lazaros of Soldotna, AK; Alaina Grace Lazaros of Anchorage, AK; Rory Makenna Lazaros of Soldotna, AK; and Levi Weston Lazaros of Anchorage, AK.

Grace also leaves behind four sisters, four brothers, five half-siblings, and many nieces and nephews, along with countless friends whose lives she touched throughout the years.

To her family and close friends, she was more than Grace—she was Amazing Grace. Her faith, music, laughter, love of family, and countless photographs will remain as treasured reminders of a life beautifully lived.

Visitation will be held at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054, on August 3, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place on August 4, 2026, at 11:00 am. At Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park, 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia, NC 28054