Grace Boyd Sullivan Kendall

July 2, 1929 - August 11, 2019
Grace Boyd Sullivan Kendall

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Grace Boyd Sullivan Kendall, age 90, a resident of 17 Braddy Road, Washington, NC died Sunday, August 11, 2019 at River Trace Nursing Home.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm Friday, August 16, 2019 at Rosemary Church of Christ, officiated by Mike Caton and Timothy Stamper.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 pm until the service hour at the church and other times at the home of Dottie Sullivan, 8512 NC Highway 32 North, Washington, NC. Burial will follow in Pamlico Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Marty Alligood, grandnephews, Steve Sullivan, Doug Sullivan, Macon Sullivan, Johnny Sullivan, and Jimmy Stewart.
Grace Boyd Sullivan Kendall was the youngest child of the late William Henry and Viola Mae Boyd Sullivan, and the last surviving sibling of four brothers and two sisters… … Grace graduated from Bath High School in 1948. She attended Roanoke Bible College, now Mid-Atlantic Christian University, from 1948-1952 and graduated in 1952 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. 1952 was the first graduating class at Roanoke Bible College and Grace was the last surviving member of that class. She attended Atlantic Christian College from 1957-1958 and the University of Maryland from 1958-1959 and from 1961-1962. She continued her education at Milligan College in the summer of 1962 and graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science. She later graduated from East Carolina University with a Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology. Her professional career was in education. She began in 1963 at Pinetown Elementary School teaching the 7th grade. She was a teacher there for two years and then became the first Speech Therapist for the Beaufort County public school system in 1965 and held that position until her retirement in 1991. She was a faithful member of Rosemary Church of Christ and served as the Adult Choir Director for 54 years until her health began to decline in 2016. She also was involved with the young children whenever their singing was a part of the service. She was a dedicated member of the Ladies Aide and always participated in their meetings and service. Grace loved the Lord and she loved religious music. We are sure she is singing in His choir. She was a solid rock for all her family members. Her dedication to each of us will be remembered and missed.
She is survived by two step-daughters: Margaret Ann Kendall Phelps, Joan Elizabeth Kendall Ward and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband: William “Bill” Arbin Kendall who preceded her in death on January 22, 2012, four brothers: Leo “Lee” Fisher Sullivan, William Bryan Sullivan, Delma Thomas Sullivan, Stillborn Boy; two sisters: Ruth Hollis Sullivan and Dera Mae Sullivan Harris
Flowers are welcome. Memorial contributions will be appreciated and can be made to Rosemary Church of Christ c/o 5226 Slatestone Road, Washington, NC 27889 or to Mid-Atlantic Christian University c/o 715 N. Poindexter Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909, Attn: Memorial Gift.
You may share a memory with the family by visiting www.josephpaulfdl.com
Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Director Licensee of Washington is serving the Kendall family.

View Celebration of Life Video


Funeral Service

Friday, August 16, 2019
2:00 PM

Rosemary Church of Christ - Directions
5116 Slatestone Road
Washington, NC 27889

Visiting Hours

Rosemary Church of Christ - Directions
5116 Slatestone Road, Washington, NC 27889
  • Friday, August 16, 2019
  • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

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  • August 12, 2019
    John Maurice says:
    I met Ms. Grace after I began working at Mid-Atlantic Christian University. I was inspired by her faithfulness to the Lord and her kindness. I know she is singing in the choir and I rejoice in her being made whole - but pray for those who remain to be comforted.

  • August 12, 2019
    Julian Cutler says:
    My mentor, encourager, and friend. Most importantly, she was careful to only sing songs that were scriptural accurate. Her approval of your song was the methodical nod of her head as you sang. I'm one of many that was touched by her ministry of music. My Father, thanks her her life and ministry and letting me have a small piece. In Jesus name......Amen.

  • August 12, 2019
    Valerie Boyd Dixon says:
    RIP Grace. My thoughts and prayers are with the Family.

  • August 12, 2019
    Robert Boyd says:
    So sad to hear of Grace's passing. She was my cousin and one of the last of my generation.

  • August 12, 2019
    D. Clay Perkins says:
    May God's grace and peace be with the family. Grace is home. Peace. Clay & Sandra Perkins.

  • August 12, 2019
    Ronnie Woolard says:
    When I learned of Grace's passing, I thought, "Another member of the Greatest Generation passes from the scene! How indebted we are to them! " Grace will live in my memory as the faithful choir director at the Rosemary Church of Christ. She not only directed my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and neighbors in that choir over the years but she also lead our Youth Choir and taught me and many others to sing parts and read notes. Only eternity will reveal the full impact of her life on so many family and friends.

  • August 12, 2019
    Faye Rose says:

  • August 12, 2019
    Sue Lilley Edwards says:
    Ms Sullivan was the best teacher ever. She cared about her students in a special way. I think the seventh grade was an especially awkward year and she helped us adjust & learn. Prayers for the family.

  • August 13, 2019
    M. Rodgers says:
    Ms. Grace is singing & leading the heavenly choir while mama plays the piano & sings. An era has passed in so many ways. Thank you for your service, dedication & love. Love, Mary Glyn & Harold Owen

  • August 13, 2019
    Delphia Williams says:
    Ms.Grace Sullivan Kendall was a very sweet lady. She always had a smile and would always remember you. She was a very special kind of person to her group of kids at school and very kind. Ms. Grace you will be greatly missed by a lot of people and by all your old students. May you Rest In Peace.

  • August 14, 2019
    Vivian Allen says:
    Ms. Grace was a blessing. She was an amazing choir master. I loved hearing the Rosemary Choir growing up. She gave of herself and was loved by so many. Thank you for serving the Kingdom. She was a Kingdom Worker before it was a "thing"! Much love to Dot and family...thank you for sharing her with us!

  • August 17, 2019
    marianna jackson says:
    Mrs. Grace was a Southern Christian Lady. She will be missed by many, including my two sons and me.

  • August 19, 2019
    Carla Spruill says:
    Mrs. Grace's love of children extended to the children at Open Door Christian Ministries children's home in Creswell, NC where she served on the board for many years. She was a sweet presence here and her kindness touched us all. We thank God for her service!

  • August 24, 2019
    KayW Phillips says:
    May God's peace and grace be with Ms Grace's family at this time. She was such a loving christian lady, whom everybody loved. She will always be remembered for her kind , loving heart to all. Love in Christ, Kay W Phillips

  • January 13, 2020
    Joan Ward says:
    It is with a heavy heart to see that Grace passed away, may she rest in peace. Just found out today that she passed.