Gracie Ferrell Nedd

Gracie Ferrell-Nedd, affectionately called “Sugar” by her family and friends, was born on September 13, 1946 in Durham North Carolina. She was the first born child to the late James and Lucy Bell Brown. Gracie departed this earthly life for a heavenly home on July 8, 2013 after a lengthy illness at Franklin Square Hospital in Perry Hall, Maryland. Gracie was educated in Baltimore Maryland and in New York City. She graduated in 1963 from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, Baltimore Maryland. She attended college and received certification Medical Coding and Billing. She also received her certification in Medical transcripts. And if that was not enough, Gracie graduated and received a certification in Court reporting. Gracie's professional career includes various roles of leadership; she worked for MNC Financial in Financial in the administrative division supporting the President and other executive staff. Gracie was a Medical Transcriptionist for John Hopkins University, she was the Manager for Postman Plus Administrator for C.A. Courtesy Demos Inc, in Andover, Massachusetts. She was the Supervisor for ATA Retail Services where she had direct contact with the Store Managers and other personnel for on time delivery for products and services for various Supermarkets. Gracie worked for OTB as a Client Services Agent. And last but certainly not least Gracie was an entrepreneur where she started her own balloon business-where she offered party planning services for special events. Her creativity was inserting plush animals and other novelties inside balloons was truly magnificent. Gracie married the late Robert Dekle and from this union was born her cherished and devoted daughter Roxanne Dekle, and years later, she met and married Manuel Nedd and from this matrimony was born her treasure and dedicated son Manuel, also known a Mano. Gracie found God as a young child and was introduced to Christian ways of living under the guidance of the cousin, Rev. Jeannette Fowlks at the Mother Perpetual Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. This exposure carried her throughout her adult life. She often attended the Ray of Hope Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. In later years Gracie found peace and guidance at the Saint Jude Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland. Saint Jude Shrine fed her spirit and soul and kept her close to God. She looked forward to visits, prayers, and talks with Mrs. Mary at the Shrine. She believed and strongly stated that “God Knows me” and “my life is in his hands”. The love she ha for her children was unconditional. She always encourage her children and grandchildren to put God first and she lived by example. She was abundantly blessed with the attributes of patience, kindness and obedience. In fact, her most recognized characteristic was that of being a great listener, and sharing her knowledge on any topic of anyone's concerns. She enjoyed phone conversations with friends. Gracie would smile and say I'm on the phone with “my friend” never identifying which one. One of her last conversations was during a visit with her childhood friend; Elder Jacqueline Jones. Sugar was popular as a teenager and in her adult life. Once a friendship was formed she was there always. Jacquelyn, Wilma, Virginia and Richard and examples of friends from the beginning to the end. “Spiritually grounded in her personal relationship with God that was formed as a child, she leaves a legacy as a bright diamond her on earth” stated her sister Donna. Sugar deposited a piece of herself in those that knew her. Her memory will be cherished and remembered forever. Sugar had words of inspiration and encouragement throughout her home. One of her favorites was “some people come into ours lives and quickly go... some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same...” Gracie was blessed with exceptional culinary skills as her kitchen was always emanating with aromas of delicious foods and sweet-tasting desserts. “Famously known for her rich tasting lasagna dishes.” Gracie enjoyed fresh fruits and vegetables that she purchased at various farmers markets; she even grew her own tomatoes for her love of naturally grown produce. Gracie was the matriarch of the family and the stitch that kept the seams of the family sewn together through prayer, for she truly believed that prayer changed things and with prayer she knew one had much power. She instilled in her children and grandchildren character traits such as; integrity, humility, gratitude, and servitude. Gracie was sharp and direct. A no nonsense woman, she had a strong positive outgoing approach that was contagious. Even as Gracie advanced in years she remained in good spirits and her mind was sharp as a tack. In spite of stumbling blocks she encountered on life's journey, Gracie always put God first and kept joy in her heart and praise on her lips, for she knew the Lord was her Shepard and he would lead her in the path of righteousness. Gracie Ferrell-Ned leaves to mourn, her daughter Roxanne Dekle, her son Manuel Nedd granddaughters, Da'Shana Dekle and Sasha Nedd, brother Ollie Jr., sister: Lena, Beverly, Donna, and Laura, aunts: Mary Easton and Roceria Grimes of Durham North Carolina. 20 Nephews/Nieces, 30 Great Nephews/Nieces, 3 Great Great Nieces and cousins in Baltimore, Maryland, and North Carolina and her friend Kit. When God made Gracie Ferrell-Nedd he truly molded and crafted a unique and remarkable woman. Gracie Ferrell-Nedd shined bright. She wore diamonds and gold and was a very classy dressed lady who created her own style of fashion. Lovingly submitted by Gracie's family.

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Gracie Ferrell Nedd

September 13, 1946 - July 8, 2013