Grace Estelle Moton

“...And thanks, Lord, for the mountaintop and the rough spots, too, because in the valley, I have learned I can depend on you.”

On March 5, 2024, Grace Estelle Moton departed this life peacefully and with the grace her name has always evoked. Grace was born on December 26, 1926, in Roanoke, Virginia, to the late Helen (Hill) Ferguson and Daniel T. Ferguson. She and her siblings Herman T., Florence E., and Hodges A. Ferguson, who all preceded her in death, were raised in Roanoke and Pamplin, Virginia.

While Grace traveled extensively in the US, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean, Prince Edward County was always home for her. No matter how far she traveled, she always came home. She attended school in Roanoke and Prospect, Virginia, and as a young child, she joined Calvary Baptist Church in Pamplin, Virginia, and remained a faithful member until she married and moved her
church membership to First Rock Baptist Church.

From her union with Raymond Dozier (deceased), she had her first daughter, Florence Dozier Lemons (Robert). She had her second daughter, Monica LeMay Moton Williams, from her 25-year union with Leon A. Moton (deceased). She leaves behind to cherish her memories five grandchildren, Gail d’Almeida, Sean Fisher (Alexa), Troy Fisher (Joleisha), Ashley Williams, and Carley Williams; five great-grandchildren, Victor d’Almeida, Grace-Simone d’Almeida, Gianni Najera-Fisher, Anthony Fisher and James Fisher; a devoted cousin, Phillip Walker, a special “adopted” Niece, Sandra Scott; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and sister-in-law, Lucy Owens.

Grace was a dedicated and accomplished individual with a rich service history and involvement in various community organizations. She was a proud member of the Martha E. Forester Women’s Club. She served as President of the Officer’s Wives Club while in Germany, supporting her husband’s leadership role at the army base in Frankfurt, Germany. She contributed her time and expertise to support these groups’ missions there. She was also a member in good standing with the Order of the Eastern Star (Chapter 153) since 1976.

Her commitment to community service extended beyond these clubs, and she was a devoted volunteer at Southside Hospital and the Farmville Senior Center (SCOPE) in Farmville, Virginia, along with her lifetime membership in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Her selfless service positively impacted the lives of many individuals in her community.

Her work as an example of a true help mate was her participation in auxiliary organizations associated with Leon’s life-long memberships in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Those included the Alpha Wives and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary group (Darlington Heights). Serving in these organizations as a committed and diligent member allowed her to continue to give back and also connect with so many people.

Grace was recognized as an original donor and financial supporter of the Moton Museum, a key cultural and historical landmark in Prince Edward County, Virginia. In addition, Grace played an essential role in the democratic process by volunteering at election polls for over 25 years, ensuring fair and transparent elections in her community.

Her dedication to education is evident through her involvement as a parent volunteer at Prince Edward County High School, where both her youngest daughter and eldest granddaughter attended from 1978 to 1983, where she actively supported students and faculty.

Grace’s dedication to her community and church is evident through her longtime membership at First Rock Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member since 1970. Here, she served as President of the Usher Board from 1977 to 2000 and also assumed the responsibilities of Church Trustee, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to
her faith and community.

It is with sadness that we lay Grace to rest, and yet we know her spirit will always be among us.

She often spoke of missing many that have gone on before her, but none so much as her beloved nephew, Hodges A. Ferguson, Jr. I suspect in meetings of the spirit this will be one she will run to first.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Grace Estelle Moton, please visit our floral store.