Grace Wade Ernst

grace ernst

June 16, 1929 ~ March 23, 2025

Born in: Salem, Virginia
Resided in: Atlanta, Georgia

Grace was born and raised on a farm in Salem Virginia. She had fond memories about her childhood and loved reminiscing. After several job transfers, she settled in Atlanta with her husband Jack and two children in 1964. Family was an important part of her life. She raised her children while being a homemaker and would often be a substitute teacher in their schools. As grandchildren came along, she volunteered frequently to keep the children and help in any way. Grace, along with her husband Jack, built a very successful dry cleaning business with multiple stores in metro Atlanta for over thirty years. Away from work, she was an avid gardener, her yard being her pride and joy. She was still doing yard work into her early nineties. Grace enjoyed traveling and visited many places around the world. She was always interested in how other people lived and worked in other countries. In a few words, she could be described as funny, outgoing, hard working and caring. The summation of her life is that she truly was “Amazing Grace”.
Grace was preceded in death by her husband John “Jack” Ernst; her sister Helen Wade and her brother Ernest Wade Jr. She is survived by her sister Ruth Wade, Salem VA; son John (Cheryl) Ernst, Woodstock GA; daughter Cynthia (Tom) Phillips, Snellville GA; grandchildren Matthew Phillips, Atlanta GA; Madison (Justin) Mantle, Newnan GA; Amy Phillips, Miami FL and one great grandchild.
A private family graveside service will be held in Salem Virginia.

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  1. Beth Baker says:

    Cynthia and family, I have such fond memories of your parents….but especially your Mom. Because I remember her always happy and I loved her laugh. She had a great laugh, and she could make us laugh! What a sweet lady she was.
    My heart goes out to all of you during this sad and difficult time. Praying God gives you His peace! Love and hugs to each of you.

  2. Star McHan says:

    Cynthia, what a wonderful tribute for your beautiful mom! I can’t believe how much you look like her! Please know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love, Richard and Star McHan

  3. Ron Mantle says:

    John

    Your mom was an amazing lady. Thank you for sharing her with us.

    You were such a faithful son to her and took such good car of her until the very end.

    May God help you during this time. Please know we love you and all of your family.

    Ron & Kelly Mantle

  4. Kim Gillespie says:

    Cynthia

    I remember picking you up to go get pizza after the football games. Your Mom and Dad would always be there to talk to us. So was Pepper and then Jacque the poodles. We had to run like crazy to leave so Jacque wouldn’t bite us as we leaving. Your Mom would try to get him before we went for the door.

    I also remember all the laughter and you are like your mom. She was always positive and so much fun.


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