Grace Maude (Elzy) Cooney

On May 4, 2024, Grace Maude Elzy- Cooney was called home to be with her Lord and Savior. She received the greatest grace of eternal peace where there is no sadness or tears. She was born on February 8, 1937, to Emmett Wesley Elzy and Beatrice Brown- Elzy, eight children were born to this union. Her parents; four siblings Vida D. Watson, Wilma J. Taylor, Deacon Rudolph A. Elzy Sr., Alma J. Donald; one sister-in-law Joane Elzy; two brother-in-law Leroy Donald, Solomon Cooney; one nephew Emory Walton II; one nephew-in-law Henry Furtick preceded her in death. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized by Rev E.R. Searcy at First African Baptist Church (First Missionary Baptist Church) where she served faithfully for over seventy-years until her health declined.

Grace graduated from Douglas High School, class of 1954. Her navigated journey touched many lives as she faithfully strived, supported, and manifested her legacy in the numerous leadership roles: Georgia Crate & Basket Co (employee), educator and substitute teacher of the Thomasville City (Second Presbyterian, Dunlap, Harper, McIntyre Middle, Thomasville High) Schools, Thomasville Bulldog Football (fan, volunteer), Thomas University (custodian), Girl Scout Leader, Brownie Troop Leader, short-order cook , Walmart (bakery, welcomer), Salvation Army (volunteer), North Bound Union: (delegate), Secretary, Women’s Department, educator of youth classes; Thomasville Missionary Baptist Association: (delegate) every year; Baptist Training Union (BTU)-The Congress of Christan Education: (delegate), Financial Secretary; First Missionary Baptist Church (FMBC): Beginners Sunday Class renamed “The Grace E. Cooney Beginners Bible Class” for over seventy years of teaching, Vacation bible school teacher, President of Usher Board No. 3- served seventy-years, Recording Choir, Dr. I.L. Mullins Gospel Choir, Women’s Choir, and the Pink Ladies Society/ Culinary Ministry. She was also a NAACP supporter. Her poetry was loved by everyone. She always instilled in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren about loving the lord.

Grace leaves to cherish her memory; two proud daughters Wandalyn Renee Cooney- Bush (Marvin), Gwenevere Kay Cooney-Mickens (Tony); three brothers (Ret) Petty Officer 3rd Class (USA Navy) Leo W. Elzy, Lemuel J. Elzy, (Ret) MSG (U.S. Army) Edwin C. Elzy; three sister-in-law Mrs. Elizabeth Elzy, Mrs. Lavern Elzy, Mrs. Mary Cooney- Hopkins; one brother-in-law Adam Cooney; five grandchildren: (Ret) SFC (U.S Army) Reginald F. Bush (Cristina), (Ret) SFC (U.S Army) Shequita’ R. Bush, Antwan M. Mickens, Dedrick L. Mickens, Demetrius A. Mickens. She was also blessed with twelve great-grandchildren: DeShawn A. Moore, Alysia M. Bush, Devin Bush, Layla Bush, Jazmin R. Bush, Bryce Mickens, Erianna Mickens, Braylon Mickens, Audric Mickens, Aamir Mickens, Malani Mickens, Jadan Mickens, Noah Mickens; Grand fur babies Bella & Ellie; hosts of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, other relatives and special friends.