Gracie Mae Waldrop Nix of Flat Rock, NC, hopped on the Sweet Chariot at 9:14 pm, February 17 in her home after a lengthy illness. Gracie celebrated her 94th birthday on January 28. The daughter of the late Jesse Lorenzo Waldrop and Eva Mae Wood Waldrop, Gracie was born in Danville, Virginia, in the county of Penn, at 10:30 o’clock on a Monday night. Gracie was preceded in death by her siblings, Thelma Leola Sims, Joseph Charles Waldrop, James Ralph and Paul Waldrop (infants), John Thomas Waldrop, Henry Lee Waldrop, Horace Jessie Waldrop, twin unnamed baby boys born in 1934, and grandson Lance Bishop and son-in-law, Frank Hensley.
Gracie is survived by her husband, John A. Nix of the home, her brother, Lemuel Douglas Waldrop of Goldsboro, NC and her daughters, Sherry Ann Hensley of Zirconia and Theresa (Terry) Ruth Leonhardt of Black Mountain. Granddaughters are Melodie Edwards, Nicole Galladay and Eva Mays. Great-grandchildren are Michaela Childers, Blake Bishop, Alexis Duffey, Waylon Lively and Tristan Mays. Great-great-grandchildren are Jaxton and Kayson Childers, Micah, Liberty and James Duffey, and Briar Bishop. In addition, Gracie is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
As a young woman, Gracie worked at Chipman LaCrosse and Theodore Britain’s hosiery mills. One of the first workers hired when General Electric Outdoor Lighting Company was built in East Flat Rock, Gracie remained there for over 30 years as a coil winder and was a member of GEEA. During her retirement days, Gracie made quilts, sewed and traveled to 48 United States and Canada in motor homes with her husband.
When Gracie’s father died in 1934, her Aunt Mary Ellenburg took in the family and introduced the children to Christ. Aunt Mary gave each Waldrop child a Bible where Gracie wrote Romans 13:13 and Proverbs 14:30. During those years, Gracie became a member of Mt.Olivet Baptist Church in Zirconia, NC, which she cherished and never desired to “move her letter” to other churches attended through the years.
There will be a memorial service held at a later date.
So sorry to hear about Gracie’s passing. She was one very special lady and we loved her so much. Sure will miss her but know she is in heavenly places with Jesus! Praying for all the family for peace, strength in the days to come. We send our Love to all of the family!
Sherry and Terry I am so sorry for your loss.
Sherry, Uncle John and other family members, so sorry about Aunt Grace. Thinking of you and sending prayers.
Terry, I’m so sorry to see you Mom has passed. I’m sure she cherished these last years that you have spent caring for her and your Dad. She is now at rest.
John, Sherry and Terry, so sorry about Grace’s passing. She was a lovely person and a friend. who will be missed by all who knew her. God bless each of you and I will keep you in my prayers.
Sherry Terry and family, So sorry for the loss of your sweet mom. Our thoughts and prayers to all Gracies family at this difficult time.
Cherish all the good memories you shared as a family.
Our love and sympathy, Sharon & Tommy King, Joe & Marilyn Thompson
My Aunt Grace was there every day when my Dad ( John Waldrop) was so sick, even though I wasn’t real close to her she won my heart with her sweetness. I love you Aunt Grace see you in heaven
She was a big part of my life, always living beside us and putting up with me kicking on the door wanting to play with Ann and Terry! I loved her cornbread and she told me how to make my own. Years later, she came to watch me paint a picture of my chihuahua on a sweatshirt. Funny what we remember, isn’t it? She left a wonderful group of people behind and I’m sure you will all miss her sweetness. I’m so sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Terry, am saddened to hear of your loss. She’s at rest now after a long full life. My prayers are for you and your family.