Grace Soka, age 91, peacefully went on to Glory February 20, 2013, surrounded by family and friends at her residence after a valiant 8 year battle with Alzheimer’s. Grace was born in Dubuque, Iowa to the late Henry and Ada Betsy Campbell Herrmann. After the tragic loss of her first husband, Carroll Robinson Wilson in Okinawa during World War II, she began her personal work for peace and reconciliation at the Girls’ School of Hiroshima Jogakuin teaching music and English. While on furlough from her mission work in Japan, she met and married Bob Soka, and they embarked on a lifelong partnership serving United Methodist churches all over the Florida Conference. Over the years, Grace worked as a church musician, organist, singer, and choir director and as a public school teacher, and librarian. She has lived in Johnson City since 2006. Grace is survived by her husband of 58 years, Reverend Robert Soka; two daughters Mary Carefoot and husband David of Seminole, Florida, Christina DowlingSoka and husband Joe-d of Bristol, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Rebecca Carefoot, Megan Carefoot, Joel DowlingSoka and wife Chelsea Rye, Ryan DowlingSoka; two sisters, Ruth Clark of Dubuque, Iowa and Marjorie Rickert of Hudson, Florida; and a host of caregivers who brought comfort and joy to her last days.
A celebration of life service will be held Friday, March 1, 2013 at 1:00p.m at Belleview United Methodist Church with visitation beginning at 12:00. In lieu of flowers, Grace specially requested that memorial contributions be made to the Music department of the donor's church. East Lawn Funeral Home is honored to serve the Soka family. Please visit www.eastlawnkingsport.com to leave a condolence for the family.
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