Reflections of Life for Edward Isaac Grady

A Time to be Born
On April 10, 1934 Edward Isaac Grady was the fifth of nine children born to the union of John C. Grady, Sr and Caroline (Phillips) in Malden, Massachusetts. Edward was affectionately called "Eddie" by his friends and family. Eddie was known for joining his brother Herbie to tease their younger brother Paul and chase their only sister Betty's suitors away. At the age of 12 years old, however, Eddie's world would take a sad turn. Caroline Grady, his mother, passed away leaving behind eight sons and one daughter. Eddie's siblings were separated and sent to various relatives' homes. Eddie often referred to this time as a personal challenge through his teen years.

A Time to Grow
As a young teenager, Eddie followed the footsteps of his older brothers and found shelter and stability by joining the United States Army. His elder brother had requested Eddie to be assigned to his unit, to watch over him, but Eddie was assigned elsewhere and spent the majority of his time serving in Frankfurt, Germany.

Eddie returned home to live for a short time between a relative's home, and a shared dorm room with his brother and father. It was during this time that Eddie took a few college classes while working as a custodian. Eddie worked his way through several promotions and eventually became a manager of Hospital Environmental Services. He worked in this capacity for over 35 years before retiring from the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

A Time to Grow in Faith & Love
In 1969, Ed visited the Berea SDA Church in Dorchester, Massachusetts and was interested in studying the Bible. He was baptized into the Seventh Day Adventist Church and became very involved in youth and community ministry. It was also at the Berea Seventh-day Adventist
Church that Ed met the former Dorothy Louise Winston. He often bragged about how she chose him and his Volkswagen bug over another strong Cadillac driving suitor, who hailed from New York City.

Edward & Dorothy Grady married on August 22, 1971 at the Berea Seventh Day Adventist Church. Very shortly thereafter, Ed's job transferred the newlyweds to St. Louis, Missouri where they attended the Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church. Here Ed & Dorothy would begin their lifelong commitment of ministering to young people and studying the Bible with anyone who expressed an interest. Their first youth group formed at the Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church. He would also continue to serve as an Elder and Personal Ministries leader throughout his lifetime.

A Time for Life & Family
During Ed & Dorothy's time in St. Louis, Missouri, two children, Chanda & Jelani, were born to their union. As a family, they would live in seven states before settling in Michigan. Ed's travel to Germany in the military, and his upbringing among many cultures living as a young man in Boston, Massachusetts influenced him to expose his children to many ethnicities and experiences. Ed believed that it was essential for him to teach his children that heaven would be a place for all people.

Ed also believed it was essential that his children be loyal fans of the Boston Celtics and Tiger Woods. Anybody who knew Ed, witnessed his passion for the game of golf. There are many stories of times Ed would attempt to sneak out the house for a round of golf, but rarely go
unnoticed by his wife, Dorothy. Golf, indeed was Ed's passion, but the people that he golfed with held an even more special place in his heart. They were indeed his family.

Ed spoke out against racism, and challenged the church to be an example of love for all people. Ed educated himself by reading, and was willing to pass on any book that he thought would be helpful to the people he loved. At the age of 78 years old, he completed a lifelong goal of attending college and graduated with an Associate's Degree in Human Services at Washtenaw Community College.

Ed continued to pursue other hobbies during his retired life. Ed & Dorothy were members of the Senior Bowling League, and developed a community of friends through this shared activity. His most favorite hobby, however, was spending time with his children and grandchildren. Rarely, were any of his children or grandchildren seen in performance big or small where Ed was not present, raising his famous fist of support in the air. Eddie stayed in possession of the latest digital gadgets and made sure the eldest grandchildren were always available to teach them how to use them. He wasn't afraid to play board games with Halani, Haddassah, and Josiah, even though they beat him often.

As Ed's understanding of God's love for him increased he continued to extend love and support to any who would have him. He would have his prayers answered in full when he was able to reconnect with three of his eldest daughters after many years. In addition, he would appoint himself as a grandfather and father figure to many others.

A Time to Die
On December 15, 2021, Edward Isaac Grady went to sleep peacefully, to wait for the Second Coming of the Lord. He is survived by a family blessed with a lifetime of wonderful memories. His family includes, his lovely wife Dorothy (Winston), his brothers John C. Grady Jr, of
Columbia, South Carolina, and Paul Grady, Sr (Carrie) of Charlotte, NC. His children: Chanda (Brandon) Perry, Jelani (Kisa) Grady, Michelle Grady, Lynsley Grady, & Madeline Garcia. His grandchildren: LaQuisha Gardner, Chidera Perry, Chari Perry, Hannah Grady, Halani Grady,
Hadassah Grady, Josiah Grady, Sana Colter, Kristian Garcia, & Luna Garcia. And a host of nephews, nieces, and godchildren.