Grace Allen Denning

Grace Allen Denning departed this life Sunday, October 2, 2016.

Grace was born in Nashville, TN on December 3, 1940 to the late Allen Sawyers and Marie (Head) Sawyers. Mom accepted Christ at an early age at St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, later joining Boyce Street Missionary Baptist Church where she was very active and served in various capacities. Mom loved her church even during the time of her illness she remained an active member.

Mom was educated in the Metro Nashville Public School System where she continued her love for education in the field of Child Development; while receiving many awards and accolades for such training she dispelled the idea that children were a nuisance. Mommy always said “suffer little children come unto the Lord” while she never implied that she was godlike she only wanted children to know that they could find refreshment in her company. And boy did they come!

Mommy received an honorary certificate of acknowledgment from Boys Town in appreciation of her services and support, also receiving appreciation for her volunteer services with East Nashville Caldwell Child Advocacy Project as an ENCAP Volunteer Advocate just to name a few. Mom retired from Vanderbilt University in 2007, or so she was respected and affectionately loved by fellow employees, students, teachers and professors alike. Over the past few year her health began to decline, her zeal for life never did as her doctors along with the medical staff were all amazed. No one was ever a stranger to mom or in her home she was the most hospitable person that we knew. I guess it could be said that it was her hallmark it was just who she was. Her infectious smile and jovial spirit was so contagious and will truly be missed by so many.


She was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Denning; siblings, Allie Mae Sawyers, Girley Wilks and Raymond Sawyers; granddaughter, Natashia Batey; brothers-in-law, Robert Coffee, James Holbert and Eugene Holt.


She leaves to cherish her memories, children, Carlton Steger (Brenda), Coreatha Batey, Corita White (Jarrell), Monica Eadie (Clifton); devoted grandchildren & great-grandchildren, Bryan Eadie, Brianna Eadie, Keshaun Batey Cates, Jarell Batey, (Samantha) Jamarcus Batey, Jarrita White, Eljun Eadie, Christopher Eadie (Christina), Cherrell White, Jeremiah Steger, Lorenzo, Lynnsie, Brandon Batey, Jason Fair, Shonda Fair, Sincere, Sha`Tayia, Jaylah;
siblings, Mary Holt, Shirley Coffee, James Sawyers, Alvene Holbert and Ernest (Brenda) Sawyers; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, many close friends, and neighbors.