Grace D. Mahone, 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9th, 2023 with her daughter by her side. Grace was born to Hezza Kie and Almeria Dowdy of Lee County, NC, the seventh of nine children. She was a graduate of Deep River HS in Lee County, NC.
Grace was a beautician in Sanford, NC before she met her future husband, James Mahone. They were married in 1949 and she relocated to Norfolk. With her husband James, they built their home in 1956 where they lived for their entire lives. Grace was an original member of Aldersgate UMC, a member of the River Forest Shores Garden Club for many years, held various PTA positions while her children were in school, and was a Cub Scouts den mother among other community involvements. While mainly a housewife, she was employed at the GE television plant in Portsmouth, VA until she retired when the plant closed.
Grace was a loving grandmother and great grandmother and cared for all of her grandchildren and several of her great grandchildren. After retirement, she and James enjoyed traveling with neighbors and siblings, including mentionable trips to Europe, Alaska and the western US. She enjoyed gardening, working in her beautiful flower beds and was always offering food to anyone who visited.
Grace was predeceased by her beloved husband of 66 years, James G. Mahone. Grace is survived by her daughter Anita Sims of Norfolk, son James Jr of Miami, FL, brother Carson Dowdy (Raleigh, NC) and sister Freda Brafford (Sanford, NC), grandchildren Tom Sims (Asheville, NC), James Mahone (Portland, OR), Jenna Leverett (Chesapeake, VA), Laura Mahone (Casselberry, FL) and Chris Sims (Phoenix, AZ), and nine great grandchildren.
A viewing will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, March 18th, 2023 at Aldersgate UMC, Norfolk, with a service at 11:00am. A reception will be held immediately after the service at the church with burial at Woodlawn at 1:00pm. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be sent in her name to Aldersgate UMC, Norfolk. Condolences may be left for the family below.
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To everyone in the Mahone Family,
I am so sorry for this great loss and ask that God shine His light and light upon you and wrap you in His love. Grace was an amazing and grand lady. I owe so very much to her. She guided me during very formative years, teaching me life skills and the meaning of taking pride in the work you do that forever shaped my life and the person I am. I am and will Forever be grateful to her for this. You will be greatly missed and carried with honor and love in our hearts, Always.
My deepest condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Warmest regards.
Please accept our deepest sympathies. She lived a full life and raised valuable individuals to this society. I wish I had the chance to meet her in person. Rest in peace Grace, you will be in our memories and prayers forever.
Indika Kulatunga and Family
Please accept our heartfelt condolences in this time of sorrow.
May you always remember your times of joy to bring peace to your heart.
We are thinking of you and will pray for you and your family.
The Kim Family
Dearest Anita, Jimmy and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our families share very precious memories of many years ago. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Vita Family
Grace was a lovely lady who was gracious and generous to everyone she encountered. She and Jim were good neighbors and friends to our family for many years. I remember well her beautiful yard and the delicious food she shared with us and how kind she was. I send sympathy to all of her family. You are in my heart and my prayers.
To all of the family. I am sorry for your loss and hope you find comfort in knowing what a wonderful person Ms Grace was. She was always kind to me. May God comfort you now and in the future as you remember all of the great times you spent with Grace Mahone.
A gracious and beautiful lady. I never went to her home when I wasn’t greeted with a warm smile and a hug. I never left her home without having been fed, even if I wasn’t hungry. I loved that lady.
Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. My heart goes out to you and your family in this difficult time. Prayers to you and all your family
To the family of Grace Mahone,
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathy. Ms. Grace was a beautiful woman, both inside and out that possessed an unmatched strength and determination. Lots of love to Ms. Anita, Mr. Jim and all of Ms. Grace’s family.
~Angie Todd