Grace M. Carmichael

Grace Marie Carmichael's story began on March 28,1955, in Maryville, Missouri, where she was born to Lloyd and Wanda Lee McClurg. From an early age, Grace had a spark for creativity that would light the way for her remarkable life. As a young girl, she sat down one day with a pencil and paper, sketching a landscape that captured the rolling hills and the beauty of her world. She shyly handed it to her grandfather, who beamed with pride and couldn't resist showing it off to any one who'd look. "My Grace made this," he'd say, and those words planted a seed. His encouragement became the cornerstone of a journey that would lead her to inspire thousands through art.

Grace grew up in Maryville, graduating from Maryville High School in 1973 with a quiet determination to make her mark. She went to Northwest Missouri State University, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1978, and later earned a Master of Fine Arts at Truman State University. Her education wasn't just about credentials. It was about equipping herself to share her love of art with others. 

Grace was acquainted with Jerry from their early 4-H days and his high school reputation. But it was in college when she met a transformed Jerry, one who had begun his journey with Jesus. Then came a moment that defined her heart's story. On August 12, 1978, Grace married Jerry Carmichael in a union that took place at Laura Street Baptist Church. Their love for each other deepened alongside4 their growing devotion to Jesus, anchoring her through every joy and challenge. Together, they built a life grounded in faith and love, a bond that stood as a testament to their shared commitment.

Grace and Jerry enjoyed a lively family, raising three children: Keith and his wife Angie, Brian, and Nathan and his wife Elena. Their house buzzed with the chaos and laughter these children brought. Grace eagerly embraced grandmotherhood, finding delight in her four grandsons: Emmett, Wesley, Philip, and Damian. She nurtured creativity and artistic expression in her sons and grandsons alike. 

For nearly 30 years, Grace poured her heart into teaching art in the North Kansas City School District and Columbia Public School System. Elementary classrooms became her canvas, where she helped young minds discover their own talents. Grace had a gift not just for teaching, but for connecting with people of all ages. She knew every child's name. Thousands of students passed through her doors, each leaving with a little more confidence and a little more skill because of her.

Grace shared many childhood farm adventures with her siblings, Cora Lee Konecny, Nancy Mann, Fred McClurg. Cora Lee's husband Ron and Fred's wife Marti joined the family along the way. Though her parents, Lloyd and Wanda Lee McClurg had passed before her, Grace carried the rural roots with her. 

Grace's story wasn't one of grand gestures, but of quiet steady impact. She found joy in the small moments, like watching a child's face light up with a brushstroke or sharing a knowing glance with Jerry across the room. Her life was a masterpiece of kindness and creativity, a landscape drawn with care that touched everyone that knew her. Grace Marie Carmichael left this world as she lived in it, surrounded by love and leaving behind a legacy that will never fade.

There will be a memorial service at 11 am at Laura Street Baptist Church Thursday, February 27, 2025 and a visitation one hour prior to the service. There will be a luncheon at the church following the service.