Grace Todd O'Steen

Grace Todd O’Steen, Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully on May 13th, 2015 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 21st, 1930 in Long County, GA to Haney and Annie Todd. She is predeceased by older brother Delmar Todd. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Howard, children Ken O’Steen (Linda), Roger O’Steen (Betty Jean), Tricia Holmes (Lockwood), Richard O’Steen (Elizabeth), Tom O’Steen (Sarah), sister Joyce Griffin, brother Lynn Todd (Pat), grandchildren Lauren Wallace (David), Trey O’Steen, Lockwood Holmes Jr (Aubrey), Michael O’Steen, Matthew O’Steen, Cameron O’Steen, Austin Holmes (Chelsey), Hunter O’Steen, Chase O’Steen, Addison O’Steen, Robert O’Steen, Luke O’Steen and great grandchildren Lakely Wallace, Lucille Reed Holmes, Stratton Wallace, Caedmon Holmes and Lockwood Holmes III. Grace lived in Miami, FL for most of her childhood and graduated from High School in Screven, GA where she was class salutatorian. After moving to Jacksonville, she attended Jacksonville Business College finishing at the top of her class before working at Peninsular Life Insurance Company. She then met the love of her life Howard at a church party on New Year’s Eve when Howard was a pharmacy student at the University of Florida. They were married in New York on June 11, 1952, on the popular television show "Bride and Groom" broadcast live to a national audience with Howard’s twin brother Harold attending as best man. Grace led an exemplary Christian life and passes on a rich legacy of service, sacrifice, and love for others. For many years, Grace taught Sunday School at University Baptist Church before she and Howard transferred their membership letter to First Baptist Church of Jacksonville. Her Christian faith and family were always her priorities as she raised her children, volunteered for school events, served on various committees and personally mentored many women that were in need of help. She always said that "our purpose on earth is to be in the service of others.” Grace was a member of the Florida Pharmaceutical Auxiliary and served as President of the local Jacksonville Chapter. She loved flowers and was an officer of the Garden Center of Jacksonville and the Confederate Garden Circle. Please join the family for a reception to celebrate her life on Sunday evening, May 17th from 6 to 8 pm at the Hardage-Giddens Mandarin Chapel Memorial donations in honor of Grace can be made to Mission of Hope, Haiti's "Grace House," an assisted living facility for elderly women and men that will provide medical, spiritual, and daily care for one of Haiti's most needy populations (www.mohhaiti.org, P.O. Box 171500, Austin, TX 78717). Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Mandarin Chapel 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32224 www.hgmandarin.com (904)288-0025