Grace Marie Webb was born Monday, September 5, 1921 near Baldwin, Illinois. She died at Freeburg Care Center, Freeburg, IL on Monday, March 23, 2009 surrounded by her four daughters. She was the only daughter of Andrew and Anna Fern nee Redpath Brown and had one brother, Loren.

Grace grew up on the family farm and attended a one-room school through eighth grade. She graduated from Marissa High School and attended Southern Illinois University, majoring in chemistry.

On October 21, 1944 she married Elijah Maurice Webb of Benton, IL. They raised their four daughters in Carbondale, IL, where Grace served as a dedicated volunteer in several community organizations, including PTA, the P.E.O. chapters GX & KC, and Girl Scouts, which she served as president of the Shagbark Girl Scout Council. She was very active in Carbondale First Christian Church, serving in children's ministry, choir, as a Bible Study leader and as a Life Elder. For seven years Grace served as secretary to the minister of Carbondale First Christian Church. Grace worked with her husband in E.M. Webb and Associates, Consulting Engineers and Land Surveyors for several years.

She loved the out of doors and taught her children and grandchildren to appreciate and enjoy wildlife, including a particularly mischievous bunny named Barney. Her children and grandchildren cherish the stories of Barney and his friends in the Big Meadow, which "Nana" wrote especially for them. She was a devoted friend and was the quintessential encourager and nurturer. Grace truly lived out her Christian faith.

Grace delighted in spending time with family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always looked forward to and treasured their special time with her.

She is preceded in death by:

• Parents: Andrew and Anna Fern nee Redpath Brown
• Brother: Loren Brown