Grace Evelyn Young

Grace Evelyn Johnson Young went to be with our Lord June 14, 2015, after a lengthy illness. Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., with Visitation at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at Fondren Presbyterian Church on Old Canton Road.

The eldest daughter of William Marion Johnson and wife, Winnie Lee Martin, she was born in Calhoun County, Mississippi, on February 26, 1917, and lived a truly remarkable life.

She grew up on her family’s farm, having to be fast and strong to keep up with six brothers! When her Mother died at a young age, Grace left her job as a nurse in Memphis, returning home to become surrogate mother to her brothers and two younger sisters, until her father remarried.

She returned to Memphis, working at the War Dept., and modeling for Goldsmith’s. It was there she met her husband of nearly fifty years, the dashing Air Force Captain, James Newsom Young. After the end of the war, they were blessed with a daughter, Linda Lee Young Powell (Dan). Three years later, they welcomed twin daughters, Terry Wynn Young Meek (Carlysle) and Sherry Lynn Young Henry (Norman). Their last daughter, Evelyn Marie Young Carroon arrived seven years later at Mather Air Force Base, California. Soon after, Captain and Mrs. Young returned to Jackson, settling near Provine High School, and remaining there for over forty years.

Like most wives of that era, Mrs. Young was a devoted homemaker and Mother. She excelled at sewing and designing clothes for her daughters, spending many hours at her Singer. She made certain that her girls were raised in the Church, and was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, then First Baptist.

After Mr. Young passed away in 1993, followed, sadly, by her daughter, Evelyn, in 1998, she then lived for seven years with daughter, Linda in Belhaven, where she remained until she entered senior care. During this time, she became a member of Fondren Presbyterian Church, where Linda was an active member. In later years, she loved being with her many grandchildren, especially her youngest, Catherine Carroon. They all affectionately called her “Mama Grace,” and going to her house was a treat!

Mrs. Young was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, six brothers, one sister, and a step-brother. She is survived by her three daughters, and their children: Sam Wales (Tori), Zach Wales (Victoria), Daniel Wales, Kara Klinck Vega (Jairo), Christopher Klinck (Amanda), Joe Meek (Clayton), Jane Meek, and Catherine Carroon, as well as great-grandchildren: Luke Wales, Aliya Wales, Lexi Axelsen, Lizi Grace Axelsen, Anabela Vega, Ethan Klinck, Drew Klinck, and Mary Grace Klinck. She’s also survived by sister, Bobbie Johnson Stinson, and step-brother Glen Earnest Johnson, along with many nieces and nephews.

Her grandsons will serve as Pallbearers, along with nephews, Dr. Charles Young and David Johnson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Memorials be made to Fondren Presbyterian Church, Saint Andrews School, or other charitable organizations, especially animal shelters.