Arthur Vance Grace was born on August 5, 1961, in Gulfport Mississippi

to A. V. Grace and Phyllis Grace.

Vance’s formative years were spent in East Palo Alto along with his 3

siblings and parents. He was extremely popular amongst his

neighborhood peers and was described by many as an unsung

comedian. His free-spirited personality and unparalleled confidence

allowed him to be comfortable in any room he was in, from regular folk

to entertainers.

He attended O’Conner Elementary School from K-6, Jordan Middle

School 7 – 8th, and Sequoia Union High School in Redwood City,

California from 9 – 12. He was a popular presence on campus, mingling

with everyone. Like both parents he was very social and knew many

people in the community he grew up in — from The Gardens to Flood

Estates, to The Village, and Mid-Town.

His close-knit friendship with the Prince Family, Donny in particular,

allowed him to meet many high profiled athletes and entertainers over

the years. His greatest attribute was his heart, because it kept him loyal

to friends from childhood and those he met into adulthood, and they

were equally as fond of him. His ability to lighten up the mood was

another gift he possessed, because he was quick-witted and would keep

you laughing.

The latter part of his adult life was spent in the areas of Stockton and Los

Banos California, where he continued cultivating friendships with

everyone he met. At Walmart in Los Banos, where he worked for a few

years, he brought his vibrant energy, wisdom, and comedic

communication skills to the team he worked with and was a role model

to the younger workers.

He was a talented mechanic who could tear down and put a car back

together without hesitation, a skill he picked up from his father. He

also had a knack for landscaping and would hop on a sit-down lawn

mower and plow down acres out of a sheer love of staying busy. He

was an earlier riser, that hated being inside too long.

Like many in his family he was a devout lover of music, a love that

started back in the 70’s when he became smitten with The Jackson

Five. Over the years his taste in music grew to Funk, Classic R&B, Hip-Hop, and Rap.

He enjoyed turning it up with his crew and jamming to music all day, forever the social spirit.

Arthur is survived by his partner in life, Sharoon Reed of Stockton

California, as well as his eldest brother Glenn D. Grace of Santa

Clara Ca., and sister Delisa R. Grace of Los Banos, Ca. In addition to

his siblings, he is also survived by seven children: Brittany L. Grace,

Arthur Vance Grace II, Stephon D. Grace, Marquise D. Grace,

Marquisha Grace, Trevion Grace, and Amari Grace.

His legacy further continues with three grandchildren, by son Arthur

Vance Grace II: Aiden, Mattie, and Aleah. His extended legacy

consists of one niece, Zaryia Bryant, one nephew Rudy Bryant, and

one great niece, Aviana Bryant, as well as everyone he has ever

touched, made laugh, and comforted along the way, who will forever

remember him as one funny, loyal, guy.

He was preceded in death by his father A. V. Grace, mother, Phyllis L.

Grace, sister Detria Lashawn Grace, and grandson, Chosen Royalty

Grace.

Special thanks to Mr. & Mrs. Dana Womack of Kentwood, La., for

their kindness, love, and support.