Grace Gunnell

Grace Vincent Gunnell, 84, of Columbia, went home to be with the Lord after a brief struggle with complications of an infection, Thursday, October 27, 2011, at Palmetto Health Baptist in Columbia. Born December 9, 1926, in Port Arthur, TX, she was the daughter of the late Senuah and Ament Vincent. Grace met her late husband, Walter D. Gunnell, Jr., while she was in business college and he was in the Merchant Marines. She worked for Clemson University Registrar's Office in the early years of marriage and retired from Wachovia Bank after nearly 20 years of customer service. She was a member of First Baptist North Spartanburg. Formerly, she was a long time member of Calvary Baptist Church. She was a dedicated Sunday School teacher in both churches and a faithful member of the Calvary Choir. She was also a former president of Spartanburg Pilot Club. Survivors include her daughter, Cathy Austin (Jeff) of Columbia, SC; son, Tim Gunnell (Melissa Boiter) of Cleveland, TN; grandchildren, Sarah Akana (Jeff) of Gainesville, GA, Michael Gunnell of Spartanburg, SC, and Nicholas Gunnell of Cleveland, TN; brother, Lovelace Vincent (Jane) of Lafayette, LA; sister, Lorris Brasseaux of Church Point, LA; and sister-in-law, Toot Vincent of Lake Charles, LA. She was predeceased by a brother, Douglas Vincent; and brother-in-law, Leo Brasseaux. A Celebration of her life and faith will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, October 30, 2011, at Calvary Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Danny Garrett. A receiving of friends will follow the service. Burial will be in Springhill Memorial Gardens, Chesnee. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Chosen Children Ministries, 9420 Asheville Hwy, PO Box 126, Inman, SC 29349; or Alzheimer's Association SC Chapter, 4124 Clemson Blvd. Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621. The family wishes to thank the caring staffs of both Eden Terrace Assisted Living in Spartanburg and Harbor Chase of Columbia who provided dignified and loving care for Mama over the last few years. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Grace Vincent Gunnell please visit our Sympathy Store.