House Resolution 38EX
By: Representative Scott of the 76th
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the life and memory of Mattie Harrison Grice; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia joins family, friends, and loved ones in mourning the loss
of one of its most cherished citizens with the passing of Mattie Harrison Grice on August 4,
2011; and
WHEREAS, Mattie Harrison Grice was born on November 27, 1933, in Havana, Florida, the
beloved daughter of the late Goldie Ervin Harrison and John Spencer Harrison, and from an
early age, she exemplified the values of faith, hard work, compassion, and service to others;
and
WHEREAS, a woman of deep and abiding faith, Mrs. Grice was a lifelong and devoted
member of Hopewell African Methodist Episcopal Church in Havana, Florida, where she
faithfully worshiped, served her church family, and demonstrated Christian principles
throughout her life; and
WHEREAS, she was united in holy matrimony to Lawrence Grice, and together they built
a loving home and were blessed with seven remarkable children, creating a legacy that
H. R. 38EX
continues through generations of family members who were inspired by her wisdom,
guidance, and unconditional love; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Grice understood the value of honest labor and dedicated herself to
providing for her family through a lifetime of hard work and determination; she worked in
the tobacco fields and packing houses of Florida, helping to sustain her family through
challenging times; and
WHEREAS, after leaving farm work, she continued her career serving her community in
various capacities, including working in the cafeteria at Northside High School, assisting
customers at Mr. Spooner's Clothing Store in downtown Havana, and later serving at
Alexander Furniture Store before beginning a distinguished career at Goodwood Manor,
where she faithfully worked for more than 40 years; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Grice's commitment to family was exemplified by her selfless decision to
leave her employment of many years in order to care for her beloved baby sister, Mamie,
demonstrating a level of devotion, sacrifice, and compassion that reflected the very best of
human character; and
WHEREAS, despite experiencing the profound sorrow of losing one of her beloved
daughters, Verdell Grice Albert, in 1992, she remained steadfast in faith and continued to be
a source of strength, comfort, and encouragement to her family and community; and
WHEREAS, she gave inspiration to many through her high ideals, strong moral character,
and deep concern for her fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding she
demonstrated toward her family and friends earned her the admiration and respect of all who
knew her; and
H. R. 38EX
WHEREAS, Mrs. Grice was a woman of magnanimous strength with an unimpeachable
reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness, and by the example she made
of her life, she made this world a better place in which to live; and
WHEREAS, her life was a shining example of faith, perseverance, service, and love, and she
will forever be remembered as a loyal wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, loving
sister, caring aunt, faithful church member, and treasured friend; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding life and enduring legacy
of this extraordinary woman be appropriately recognized and remembered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body honor the life and memory of Mattie Harrison Grice and express
their deepest and most sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all those whose lives
were enriched by her presence.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the
family of Mattie Harrison Grice.
H. R. 38EX