The LORD promises a rest for His people (Hebrews 4:9). This earth is not the home of the Saints of God. Missionary Helen Grace departed this life on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital at the age of 89. Helen Grace, daughter of the late Charlie Townsend and Louise McCall-Little was born May 26, 1931, in Bennettsville, SC.

Helen was educated in the Marlboro County, SC school system. She was joined in matrimony to Joe Junior Graves (Grace) as a teenager, and from their union, they were blessed with three sons and seven daughters. In 1956, they moved to High Point, NC. Helen worked on various jobs during her life, including Flowers Bakery, High Point Regional Hospital, and Signat Company. However, she was very proud of her work with Urban Ministries (currently Open Door Ministries - High Point), serving many less fortunate members of the High Point Community.

Helen was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ by the late Elder Harold L. Davis, and she was filled with the Holy Ghost. As a member of The Redeemed Church of Christ, for over 60 years, Helen served the Lord as a faithful, dutiful, and obedient servant. She taught Sunday School for many years, sharing the love of God and basic biblical teaching to the Saints' children. She was appointed as a Missionary and used her broad field to be a witness for Jesus Christ. As one who never turned back from serving the Lord, Missionary Grace would always say: "I made God a promise that I would serve Him until I die!" We thank God that she kept that promise, and we pray that she is resting from her labors.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Junior Graves; by her siblings, Massie Little, Fred Little, Anna Cook, Julius Malachi, John Malachi, James Little, Ethel Miller, Sarah Eury, Mary Little, Robert Little, Virginia Helm, Betty Jean Little and Eugene Little; by her grandson, Antonio Rayshon Grace; and by her great-great grandson; Benson Jones. Left to cherish her memory are seven daughters, Joanne Jones, May Helen Dockery, Elaine Hairston, Betty (David) Hayes, Felisha Gray, Faye (Ernest) Bailey and Kathy Grace; three sons, Jessie (Sheila) Grace, Kenneth (Vanessa) Grace and Patrick (Debra) Grace; a multitude of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; one sister, Wilma Smith; two sisters-in-laws, Donnella Bennett and Florria Bell Little; many nieces and nephews; and a host of other family members and friends.

A private graveside service will be held Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Floral Garden Park Cemetery.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.