Grace Ella Kemp Eris

Grace Ella Kemp Eris (81) of Perdido Key, FL, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2023. Born in August 1941 to Emma Lou Olson, former mayor of Pompano Beach, FL, and Wallace Kemp, Grace grew up in Pompano Beach and quickly developed a wilful and fun-loving personality as she competed against her big brothers for attention. She attended Pompano High School and then Broward College.

In the early 1960s, Grace moved to Atlanta, GA where she married Nicolas Eris III in Morningside Baptist Church and then raised her family in Dunwoody. While in the Atlanta area, Grace carefully nurtured life-long friendships and was well-known for her million-dollar smile, caring heart, and joyful spirit. At the same time, she began her 50-year career in real estate and became a trailblazer for women who chose to work in a corporate setting previously dominated by men. She was a stellar agent and successful real estate broker.

Once her daughters were grown, Grace moved to Perdido Key, FL where she continued her career at Aquatic Realty. Always tremendously generous with her time and talent, she served as a mentor and trusted advisor to many for five decades.

Grace wholeheartedly loved all types of music. She played the guitar and banjo with ease, sometimes randomly breaking out in song, and was known, on occasion, to lead her beloved grandchildren in an impromptu kazoo band performance.

Grace was a proud, loving, and generous mother, mother-in-law, aunt, and grandmother. She found unending joy in spending time with her family and friends. Grace had an indomitable will to always celebrate her daughters and their families. She attended countless soccer games, baseball games, chorus concerts, recitals, birthday celebrations, and upheld all their holiday traditions including her famous bloody marys and Christmas roast.

Grace is predeceased by her grandmother and namesake, Grace Odum (Mama Grace), mother Emma Lou Olson, father Wallace Kemp, and brothers Weyman Kemp and Herbert Davis. Beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, she is survived by her daughters, Kellie Eris Bruce (David) and Dana Eris Moorhead (Mark) of Atlanta, and grandchildren, John, Will, Nick, and Martha Grace. Grace is also survived by her longtime friend and business partner Kaye Howerton, Aunt Mary Emmerson, and beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins - all of whom she loved dearly.

Grace's greatest joy was spending time with family, friends, and her faithful, cherished Boston terrier rescue, Gabby. Her love of the ocean and walks on Johnson Beach always brought her happiness. She will be missed beyond measure. Rest in peace, amazing Grace.

You are forever in our hearts.

As a tribute to Grace's amazing life, the family asks you to consider a charitable donation made to Boston Terrier Rescue of Florida https://www.bostonrescueflorida.org/donate