Grace Ridley Obituary
Grace Olivia Downing Ridley was born October 18, 1940, in Hopeton, VA, to the late Norman Sr. and Lottie Downing. Grace departed this life peacefully at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Onley, VA, on December 20, 2025.
Grace was educated in Accomack County Public Schools. She married Isiah "Ike" Ridley II at a young age, and from that union were born five children.
Grace was employed by Perdue Farms and later worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Shore Life Care in Parksley, for over 40 years, from which she retired.
Grace enjoyed spending her time doing crossword puzzles, watching HGTV, listening to the radio (turned up to the top notch), and talking on the phone with her sisters. If she wasn't at home, you could definitely find her at Helen's getting her hair done, as she always made sure her hair was in place.
Grace was a beautiful person inside and out who kept the humblest spirit, no matter what health battle she was going through. She was one whom you could count on to tell you about yourself and what was on her mind, without filtering it or sparing your feelings.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Norman "June" Downing Jr., McKinley "Kenny" Downing, and Gloria Taylor-Wood; and her grandchildren: Shenia Ridley, DeAndre "Ionnie" Ridley, and Welford "Larry" Haines Jr.
She leaves to cherish her memories her loving children, Priscilla Tyler of Greenbush, VA, Isiah "Ike" Ridley III of New Church, VA, Mary "Lucy" Ridley-Tucker, Michael "Mike" Ridley of Parksley, VA, and Tammy (Ermon) Conquest of New Church, VA; five grandchildren, Denise Neal, Samantha Ridley, Keith and Kevin Neal, and DeAnna Ridley; 17 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margie Young of Onancock, VA, and Lillis (John) Brittingham of Berlin, MD; brother-in-law, William (Minnie) Ridley Sr.; sisters-in-law, Helen Edwards, Ethel Dickerson, and Gail Downing; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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24497 Mary N. Smith Rd. P.O. Box 176, Accomac, VA 23301
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