Grace Jones McQueen

Grace was born in Grays Creek, NC to the late Neil Henry and Nettie Breece Jones. She is the last surviving sibling of six - Neil Henry Jr., Caroline, Virginia, Bettie, and Helen. She is survived by two sons, James Jr., of Raleigh and Joseph and wife, Francine, of Long Beach, CA., and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her son, John in 1968, and her husband of 60 years, James, in 2002.

She graduated from high school and Hardbargers Business School. She began work in Raleigh and worked at State Capital and Durham Life Insurance companies from the late 1930‘s to the mid 1980’s.

Grace and her family were long time members of White Memorial Presbyterian Church. She was a great friend to her sons, neighbors, and relatives. Family and friends appreciated her skills in the kitchen – especially her chocolate cakes with white icing and brownies with pecans. She took pleasure in creating a warm and comfortable home for her family and guests.

After their retirements, she and her husband enjoyed travels cross country and to Europe.

She and her husband were truly a part of “Our Greatest Generation.” They were raised on small farms, endured the Great Depression and World War II, raised a family on meager earnings, and sacrificed much in order to provide their sons with a solid family life, and college educations which they did not have. They made sure that their sons had better opportunities in life.

She balanced full-time or part-time work to supplement income while still raising a family and fulfilling all traditional domestic responsibilities. She was a SuperMom until the day she died, and she only asked for “a kind word” in return.

During her lifetime, she endured great loss with strength and courage. She spoke no word in anger. She gave love and support to friends and family in times of need and hurt. She set an example of goodness by the positive way she lived, and she found ways to provide guidance for family members and others during their troubled times. Her children became better people by attempting to live up to her example. She was selfless in caring for her family. She was loved and respected by everyone she knew, and she will be missed terribly by all of those whose lives she touched.

Funeral services by Mitchell Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at Brier Creek Cemetery, 7600 ACC Blvd, Raleigh 27617 at 10:00AM, Saturday, May 2, 2015.

A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM at White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Rd, Raleigh 27608. Visitation and lunch will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to either:

Transitions Life Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 in memory of Grace J. McQueen.or UNC – TV, PO Box 14900, RTP, NC 27709-9751 in memory of Grace J. McQueen.