Grady E. Ashe

Grady Ernest Ashe, the son of the late Celia Cephus, was born on March 17, 1923, in Henderson, North Carolina. He suddenly departed this life on Sunday, August 11, 2002. Grady received his education at the W.A. Patrillo High School. His pursuit for knowledge motivated him to enroll in courses at various institutes of higher learning: such as Penn State, A&T, and Eastern College. Grady served as a Corporal in the United States Army during World War II. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he returned home and worked for several employers prior to becoming employed by Eastern Stainless Steel Company, where he remained a dedicated employee for thirty years. His need to help mankind led him to seek several positions within his local union. He worked diligently and tirelessly as President and Secretary of the union and as a member of the grievance committee. Grady was also an ardent community worker. He often said, “If I can help somebody along the way, then my life would not have been in vain”. He was especially committed to making a difference in the lives of youth. For his dedication and commitment, he received many citations and recognition from Baltimore’s Mayor and City Council. He was the president of several youth centered organizations: The East Baltimore Optimist club. W. A. Pattillo High Alumni, The Blue Diamond Club of Eastern Stainless Steel, and he was an active member of Martin Polla/Foster America Program. Grady’s formative Christian experience began in St. Stephens Baptist Church in Tarboro, North Carolina. He joined Milton Avenue United Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland and later became a member of Friendship Baptist Church. Grady was blessed to have had two wonderful wives. He married the former Marie Forrester and from this union nine children were born: Arzina, Alease, Kenneth, Patricia, Marie, LaRue, Jeanne, Michelle, and Michael. After the death of Marie, Grady met and married Oner Mildred Washington with whom he lived happily until his death. As a result of this union, God blessed Grady with four more children: Calvin, Clarice, Michael, and Asaud; and very special son, Derron Burton. Grady and Mildred’s home was always open to family and friends. People often stopped by for good food, good conversation and good company. Grady and Mildred also enriched the lives of many children by being dedicated and loving foster parents. Grady was and avid reader and poet. He could talk about many topics and enjoyed sharing his books and knowledge with others. The first poem he wrote when he was just a boy. “Building” was published in 11999 in Edge of Twilight, The National Library of Poetry. His favorite author was Harold Robbins. Over his life, Grady wrote many memorable poems. No “family gathering” went without an original poem written and read by Grady. He leaves to mourn: his devoted wife, Mildred; thirteen children: five sons-in-law, Minister Rodger Owens, Eddie Stanley, Clarence Adams, Sr., Robert Broods, Sr., and John Eversley, Sr.; one daughter-in-law, Shirley Washington; twenty-four grandchildren; twenty-five great grandchildren; two cousins, ThelmaBanks of Baltimore, Maryland and Christine Garrison of Port Henry, New York; two brothers-in-law, Isaac and Albert Nole; three sisters-in-law, Allie Ramsey, Adlene Nole of Jamestown, South Carolina and Doris Backus of Baltimore, Maryland; many cousins of Tarboro, North Carolina; and a host of other relatives and friends.DADThanks for being the man that you were. You always provided for your family, allowing us to have a Mother whom was always home to care for us. We realize it was because of your hard work that Mama was able to nourish us day and night.Lovingly, Your ChildrenDaddyThanks for all your many kind deeds. I know that you did not have to do it. I thank you for hanging in there. I mean this from the bottom of my heart. Dad, you are my true champion.

Tributes

Grady E. Ashe

March 17, 1923 - August 11, 2002