When a person passes away and a memorial service is held, it is a chance for us to celebrate that person’s life. It is a chance for us to acknowledge the contributions that the person made to us personally, to the family, to friends and to whichever groups the person’s life was devoted to.

This acknowledgement was beautifully accomplished Saturday morning, Oct. 13, as family, friends, fellow church members and a large part of the Black theater community gathered in Abyssinian Baptist Church for the memorial homegoing services for Grace L. Jones, who died at the age of 90 Aug. 26. Ms. Grace was someone who touched the lives of so many people in so many different ways. “If I can help someone along the way, then my living will not be in vain.” Those words from the gospel song are what would so beautifully describe the life of this sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and constant supporter of so many people’s lives.

As people gathered at Abyssinian in the main sanctuary, there was a positive, loving energy in the air. In front, a gorgeous enlarged photo of Ms. Grace was positioned in the center, next to an enormous bouquet of red roses. The photo of Ms. Grace dressed completely in white, including a white hat and suit, showcased her well-known and beloved smiled. Before the service videos were played of Ms. Grace having a good time at various functions.

As people took their seats, the McDonald’s Gospel Super Choir, conducted by A. Curtis Farrow, blessed the audience with some of the loveliest selections. “Soon and Very Soon” was followed by “To God Be the Glory.” A soloist performed and my eyes flooded with tears. Then he was accompanied by the choir. The song “Stand” made our spirits soar. “The Source of My Strength” lifted the church to Heaven with Ms. Grace. What power! I had chills. Then the choir performed “Every Praise Is to Our God.”

Family and the church pastors walked in while “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” played. The Rev. Dr. Calvin O. Butts III welcomed everyone, and the choir blessed us with “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Ms. Grace’s sister, Joyce McPherson, and her nephew, Robert Jordan, both read scriptures and spoke of their love for Ms. Grace. McPherson thanked God for the time she had with her sister. A Prayer of Comfort was delivered by an Abyssinian pastor. Virginia A. Woodruff sang from her heart for this lady, who had obviously touched her life, as she movingly performed “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.”

Ms. Grace had been a member of Abyssinian Baptist Church for 75 years, attending from the age of 9, and during her decades there, she had been part of many groups. And all those groups offered up resolutions recognizing the importance of this lady’s role. She was acknowledged by the True Spirit Usher Board, Abyssinian Baptist Church Missionary Ministry, Sunday Church School, Mattie Fletcher Powell Satellite/Laura B. Thomas Ministry, New York Club of the National Association of Negro Women Clubs Incorporated and the Deacon Board.

A longtime friend of Ms. Grace, actress Sandra Reaves-Phillips, came to the microphone walking with a cane and an uplifting spirit. She performed a rendition of “Amazing Grace,” which made the song personal and catered to Ms. Grace. And with her fantastic voice, she put it down! It was truly beautiful. From there she went into an impromptu delivery of “Precious Lord,” and she also tailored that to address her friend. It was so tremendous to experience. So many people were touched and overwhelmed. After powerfully singing these tributes, she was bought to tears.

Tributes to Ms. Grace came from members of AUDELCO, an organization that rewards excellence in Black theater and one that Ms. Grace dedicated her life, time and money to. Everyone knew that Ms. Grace’s heart was with the Abyssinian Baptist Church, but it was also with AUDELCO for the decades she spent working with the organization and especially the past 13 years, when she was its president.

Actor Ralph Carter performed two powerful songs, one he wrote, and he recalled all the marvelous times he had going with Ms. Grace to see Black theater and the deep care he always took to make sure she got transportation home. He recalled her going to shows and bringing her husband, who she affectionately referred to as “Jonesy.”

Rome Neal, of the Nuyorican Poets Café, spoke of a lady who had many sides and talked about how feisty she could be. He also talked about how much she cared for AUDELCO and asked everyone present to become a member and keep Ms. Grace’s dream going. He explained that Ms. Grace was a hustler in the arts and she gave her heart and soul to AUDELCO.

Neal was followed by Jacqueline Jeffries, first vice president of AUDELCO, sharing her special relationship with Ms. Grace. Addressing AUDELCO and Ms. Grace, she proclaimed, “Ms. Grace was a warrior for people of African descent. She was a living example of what it was like to be Christ-like. Ms. Grace was about love, dedication and commitment.”

The choir then sang, “I Won’t Complain.”

I followed on the program and read the obituary I had written for Ms. Grace that appeared in the Amsterdam News. My eyes filled with tears as I came to the microphone, tears for my loss and her family’s loss for this woman who touched my soul with her love, life and friendship.

Tributes came from friends and family. Hazel Rosetta Smith provided much needed levity as she recalled the laughter that she and her BFF shared through the years, and the crazy situations they would get in to. A. Curtis Farrow recalled being around Ms. Grace and her daughter, Bambi, and how Ms. Grace’s husband, Everton, would cook meals for all of them—breakfast, lunch and dinner. He spoke of the love that Ms. Grace and Everton shared that he was blessed to witness. Her niece, Jannae Jordan-Rubin spoke of the unconditional love her aunt gave her and everyone and her loving mother hen quality. She shared that her aunt believed in helping people. Ms. Grace’s daughter Bambi performed “Wind Beneath My Wings,” and it was extremely moving.

The Rev. Butts delivered the eulogy, and he spoke of a woman who guided him in the church and was a blessing in his life. He said, “Grace Jones was for me the transmitter of unmerited divine assistance.”

He recalled a lady who would speak her mind and let him know if something was being done incorrectly. He also recalled a woman who loved her church and her family. He talked about her love for the theater and the appreciation he, too, gained for Black theater. The memorial was a grand event and one fit for a queen.

The Rev. Butts remarked, “This kind of celebration is for royalty in the church.”

Allyson Williams ended this marvelous memorial with a vibrant rendition of “Oh Happy Day,” backed up by the choir and joined in by the audience. This memorial was a phenomenal, positive, celebration of the life of a great lady!