Grace Smith Eaton
August 26, 1985 ~ July 5, 2016
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Grace Smith Eaton, 8/26/1985 – 7/05/2016, died at her home in Asheville surrounded by her loved ones following a brief, but brave struggle with cancer.
She was born in Walterboro, SC and moved to Greenwood, SC with her family at age 4. She attended public schools and at age 16 left for college at UNC-Asheville. She earned degrees in art and elementary education.
While in college Grace met the love of her life, Woody Eaton. They married and built their own cabin and lived "off the grid" in nearby Barnardsville, NC, for a time before re-settling in West Asheville. They had a son, Atticus, in 2009.
Grace's life was focused on her family, friends and her art. She loved nature and plants and enjoyed music and dancing. She lived simply and did not waste energy on concerns about material things. At different times Grace worked as a teacher, certified nursing assistant, art teacher and artist.
She is survived by her husband, Woodrow Eaton; son Atticus Eaton; parents, Gratin and Adelaide Smith of Greenwood, SC; brother, Caleb Pepper Smith and sister, Parrish Smith, both of Vermont.
Her family is planning a celebration of her life in the near future.
Grace requested that memorials be made to the Friends of Buncombe County Libraries, 67 Haywood Street, Asheville, NC 28801 (designated for children's books in her memory).
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Oh, Gratin and Adelaide, I’m so sorry to see this. I didn’t know your daughter, but I know her loss will be felt by so many. It sounds like she led a remarkable life. You have my deepest sympathy.
My deepest sympathies.
I do not have the words to express the deep sympathy that I feel for all of your family this morning. Death of a child has got to be the heaviest cross to ever bare. I know it happens everyday for parents, but it is so unnatural. Losing your past is normal. Losing your future is not. Grace seemed to know what was important about our time on our earth. She must have had her priorities in the correct order. I hope she did not suffer, but I am confident she did not want to be separated from her family, especially Atticus. Many prayers for all of you. Give Parrish a big hug for me. Sally Maxie
My dear Adel;aide and Gratin
My heart and prayers are with you and your family.
Love,
Sabri Ann
Gratin and family: We’re so sorry for your loss. We too, have lost a child and know the pain that you are going thru. May our God wrap you and your family in his loving arms during this terrible time.
We’re so sad and very sorry for your loss, Woody and Atticus. Grace was such a beautiful person inside and out. We will miss her so much at our family gatherings. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Grace’s family.
Im so sorry to hear about Grace.Our prayers are with you all.
I am so very sorry to hear this news. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you must be feeling. Just remember that so many love you, and you will remain in our hearts and prayers. May God provide you with comfort.
Gratin and family my thoughts and prayers are with you…. So very sorry for your loss….
Grantin and family – Our prayers are with you all as you face the future with a huge void. I can’t imagine the pain and heartache that you all are dealing with. May God be your comfort and may you feel his arms around you .
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. Gratin and Adelaide, don’t hesitate to ask us to help with anything. There are no words to say, but we are hear if you need us. God Bless!
Gratin, Adelaide and family, daddy and I are sooo very sorry for the loss of such a great lady! Please know that we are praying for you all during this difficult time! May God comfort you all!
Grace was a student of mine at Brewer Middle School. She was a great student, and an even greater person, who was kind to everyone. I am so saddened to read of her death! All of you are in my thoughts and prayers in the coming days. Barbara Dorn
Dr Smith, Adelaide and family, I am so very saddened to hear of the passing of your precious Grace. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Melanie Rivers
Gratin, Adelaide, and family ,
We are so sorry to hear this news. We cannot begin to imagine the pain you are feeling. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We hope you can take some comfort in knowing that Grace is with your mom and dad. May God continue to give you strength and courage in the coming days. Please know that you and your family will continue to be in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Gail and Herb Ferguson
Woody, we are so very sorry to hear about Grace. We remember moving in next to you guys in West Asheville in 2012, when Kell was just a few weeks old, how Grace looked at us, saw our exhausted new-parent faces, smiled, and told us it would get better. She was so kind to us, and gentle and calm with Atticus. Seeing her interact with him and seeing the three of you together was always so reassuring and encouraging to us. Please know we are thinking of your family and holding space for you in our hearts, remembering Grace and her kindness. Please know you and Atticus are constantly in our prayers and will be in the months to come, and we grieve for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. I know that almost a month has based, but I am sure that the pain is still there. Please take comfort in the promises found at Revelation 21:4 and John 5:28, 29. May these bring you hope and comfort as you cope with this tragic loss.
I found this page by accident, but reading the story I am really touched. It sounds like she lived quite a life and had an impact on a great number of people. Her spirit lives on. I’m so sorry for your loss.