In her 85 years on Earth, Grace N. Grayber never did something she didn’t want to do.

She lived fearlessly, loved her family and friends fiercely, was generous, kind, fair, and was not afraid to be a strong, opinionated woman in a time when that wasn’t so popular.

Grace decided she’d had enough of this nonsense on October 9,, 2026, passing away after a long fight with breast cancer. She left us exactly as she wanted, on her terms. No one was going to tell her how to live, or how to die, stubborn until the end.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA where she lived most of her adult life in Sheraden, she spent her later years traveling back and forth to Virginia Beach, VA before finally moving here permanently to be closer to her grandchildren.

Grace is survived by her husband of 65 years, Kenneth S. Grayber, her only grandson Alexander Smith and three generations of strong, opinionated “Grayber Girls” to carry on her legacy of living life fully and unapologetically – daughters Christina Marx (John Price) and Susan Smith (Sonny Fuchs), granddaughters Tristina Marx and Sierra Wommack (Alec Wommack) and great-granddaughters Rylee Wommack and Audrey Wommack

Grace began a career in banking at the age of 18 and worked her entire career at the same institution. She would make many lifelong friends over her 30+ years, including her best friend Shirley Ross, and throughout multiple changes of ownership, Grace remained and served always with professionalism and loyalty. She instilled these values in her children, and they, in theirs.

Upon her early retirement, Grace was still great at telling people what to do. So great in fact that after she successfully raised her two daughters, she became very involved in raising her three grandchildren and even was a primary caregiver for her two great-grandchildren up until the end. She loved her extended family as well, all of the Kujawski Clan, especially Mark and Josie.

Holidays with family were among her favorite times, always making enough food to feed an army of guests, and Saturday evenings were always a special time awaiting the newest Hallmark Movie.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for all the support and kindness extended during this difficult time along with a special thank you to the team at Amedisys Hospice Care, for all of their assistance, especially her nurse Kendra.

When Grace arrives at the Pearly Gates, we can only hope they’re ready for her, as we are certain she’ll have a few words about how things should be run up there.

A casual gathering to share stories and celebrate Grace’s life will be announced by the family at a later date.

Simply Cremations is assisting the family.