Grace Martin

Aunt Mikey, you watched me and my siblings grow. You shared my parents, Hattie and Slias' joy and pain for the interesting choices each of us made. We knew we could turn to you for support at any turn. A comforting, understanding listening ear. A safe space to talk about this weird, unfair, wild place we inhabit. And yet, while you offered that care, we also watched you. From you, we learned the power of the Phoenix, the strength of rising again after hardship. We do not rise with a vengeful heart, but with faith, love, and hope. Sharpened by experience, but ready to give this world even more of ourselves. To shelter more family, to gather friends more often, to provide more to God's work, and to always be open to the unexpected call. You showed us the joys and sacrifices of being a truly loving human being. And we thank you, Aunt Mickey, for the privilege of learning from you. We love you always. We will try our best to pass down those lessons to our nieces and nephews, but we are poor imitators. There is no substitute, nor will there ever be, any substitute for the original Grace.

Regina, Deborah, Rodney, Audrey Fay, and Aubrey Ray Winters