Grace Ann Piper Tolbert Obituary (1958 - 2021)

Grace Ann Tolbert was born on July 28, 1958 in Rayville, Louisiana to Angie Anderson and the late Archie Reynolds. Grace confessed Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age. She attended school in. the Rapides Parish School District and later graduated from Peabody High School. Grace later went off into the workforce working as a housekeeper and doing janitorial work. She was married to Louis Tolbert and together the raised 4 loving children. Louis preceded Grace in death and she later married Dale Swafford who also preceded her in death. Grace was a very outspoken person and had a way with words. She would always say things out of love and made sure you understood she was coming from a good place no matter how it came across. Grace became very active in her church, Second Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Gregory Tennie. There, she served as faithfully as a Deaconess, President of the Usher Board, member of the Kitchen Aide Committee and a member of The Willing Workers. She was also devoted to the United Education Missionary Baptist Association. Grace had a love for praise dancing and her love for God was always demonstrated through her praise. On July 15, 2021, just a week before her 63rd birthday, God saw fit to take Grace from labor to reward and called her home. She passed peacefully at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Grace was preceded in death by her father Archie Reynolds, her late husbands, Louis Tolbert and Dale Swafford as well as her nephew Frederick Johnson. Grace leaves behind her four children who she loved dearly, Mieacha Span, Michael Piper and Chandricka Ransome all of Alexandria, Louisiana and Kenneth (Brekia) Piper of Lafayette, Louisiana. Five sisters Evelyn (Jerry) Johnson, Zelda Anderson and Constance Polk all of Alexandria, Louisiana, Linda (Richard) Garrett of Houston Texas and Valerie Brooks of Fresno, California. Fifteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Grace will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her but her fond memories will reside in all of our hearts forever. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at New Scott Olly Baptist Church, in Alexandria, Louisiana. Public viewing and visitation will begin a t 10 am with service beginning at 11 am. Immediately following the service she will be taken to Garden of Memories Cemetery, in Alexandria, Louisiana, for final committal rights. Please keep the Piper/Tolbert family in prayer. Miller & Hill "The Funeral Directors"