Grace Christie

Grace Cargill Cavell Christie, affectionately known as "Gracie," passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, in Tacoma, Washington, at the age of 75. Born on December 24, 1950, in Kingston, Jamaica, Grace lived a life marked by resilience, dedication, and an unwavering love for her family, faith, and heritage.

Grace's educational journey was a testament to her determination and thirst for knowledge. She attended St. Mary High School in St. Mary, Jamaica, and later pursued advanced studies at Wolmers High School in Kingston. Her academic pursuits continued at the Institute of Management and Production (IMP) in Kingston, where she earned a Certificate in Management Studies. Grace furthered her education at the University of the West Indies (UWI), obtaining both a Bachelor of Science in Management Studies and a Master of Science in Gender Studies. After migrating to the United States in 2009, she achieved an Associate Degree in Women Studies with a specialization in Domestic Violence from Clover Park Technical College in Tacoma, Washington, graduating with honors.

Grace's professional career was as diverse as it was impactful. She began working as an Internal Auditor at just 17 years old and went on to hold numerous roles throughout her life. She served at UWI both in the Bursary department and later as an online lecturer for the Gender Studies program. Her career also included positions with TP O'Sullivan & Partners on a Ministry of Construction project, G.W. Christie Engineers Ltd as manager, the Ministry of Health as an administrator, and the British Council as an information counselor—a role that afforded her the opportunity to visit England for the first time and complete her Master's degree.

In addition to these roles, Grace worked as a part-time teacher and vice principal at Stony Hill All Age School in Jamaica—a school where both of her parents had taught—and collaborated with USAID as a Gender Studies Specialist. Her work with USAID earned her a Certificate of Appreciation for her contributions to research and advocacy. Grace also dedicated herself to counseling survivors of domestic violence, providing support and referrals to those in need.

After moving to Tacoma to live with her daughter and grandchildren, Grace continued to seek opportunities to make a difference. She briefly worked at Tacoma Community College on gender workshops before pursuing an Associate Degree at Clover Park Technical College. During this time, she interned at the YWCA Tacoma Campus, supporting survivors of domestic violence—a cause close to her heart as a survivor herself. Grace excelled academically during this period, earning recognition for her public speaking skills and becoming a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Grace's final professional role was as a para-educator with the Tacoma School District, from which she retired in December 2019. In retirement, she authored her first book in 2023 titled *"As We Would Say Back Home - A Collection of Jamaican Sayings,"* through her company Grace Forever LLC. The book celebrated Jamaican culture and heritage through cherished sayings from her upbringing—a heartfelt dedication to her roots.

Faith played an integral role in Grace's life. Raised Anglican, she explored various denominations before being baptized into the Church of Christ through the Mona Church of Christ in Kingston. After moving to Washington, she became an active member of Lakeview Church of Christ and later Clover Park Church of Christ in Lakewood. She remained steadfast in her faith until her passing.

Grace is survived by her siblings Sonia Wright and Charles "Charlie" Whiteley; Brother-in-law, Joseph Wright; her children Amina "Natasha" Innis (née Christie), Glaspole Orlando "Landi" Christie, Stephen James Christie, and Stefan Charles Christie; grandchildren Natalya Grace Christie Smith (née Innis), Daniel Innis, and Marley Christie; nieces Shaun and Tamara; nephew Donahue; along with many cousins and friends who cherished her deeply.

She was predeceased by her parents Baron James Fairbanks Whiteley and Norah Claribel Whiteley (née Williams), cousin-sister Hope Holden, and numerous beloved relatives.

Grace found joy in reading, watching movies, teaching others the Jamaican dialect, traveling, and sharing meals with loved ones—especially her signature "Jamaican style" curried chicken that became a favorite at church potlucks.

Grace will be remembered for her calm demeanor, pragmatic outlook on life, determination, and forgiving heart. When asked how she wished to be remembered by her children and grandchildren, she expressed simply: "That I love God and I was someone who loved all people—especially children—and I had a forgiving heart."

Her legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to helping others. May Grace's memory bring comfort to all who knew her. A Memorial Service will be held on April 4, 2026, from 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM at Clover Park Church of Christ 4717 111th St SW. The family request that all guests wear a derivative of red. Red was her favorite color and she requested no black to be worn.