Grace Elizabeth Brazil

Grace Elizabeth Brazil of Asheville peacefully passed away on May 13th, 2024. She was born on January 9, 1939 in Brooklyn, NY. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Wilburn (Bud) Oscar Brazil, Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred & Ruth Bushey, and her sister, Jane P. Lopez.

Grace is survived by her son, Bill Brazil, and daughter-in-law, Leslie Brazil, of Asheville, NC, and grandchildren, Molly Heineck and Sam Brazil, and great grandchild, Grace Carter Heineck. She is also survived by her son, John Brazil and daughter-in-law, Jodi Brazil, of Mars Hill, NC, and grandchildren, Natalie Brazil and Jack Brazil. She is also survived by her son, Mark Brazil, and daughter-in-law, Aimee Brazil, and grandchildren, Adam Brazil, Anna Brazil, and Parker Banks.

Grace attended high school in Tampa, FL at Hillsborough High School, where she was a member of the cheerleading squad and swim team. She also played the viola in the band. She studied to be a nurse in the Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, LA. She became an anesthetist at Charity Hospital in New Orleans and practiced at Mercy and St. Claude Hospitals in New Orleans. She married Bud on March 7, 1963. They moved to Asheville, NC in 1966 with sons Bill and John, and third son, Mark, was born a year later.

Grace was a member of the Junior League of Asheville and also served as President of the chapter. She was a member of the Buncombe County Board of Education for 13 years. She absolutely loved being an active member of First Baptist Church of Asheville where she wore many hats – teaching junior girls and Cub Scouts. Grace also served with Audrey Miller in creating a support group for individuals suffering from HIV/AIDS – providing housing, meals, and essential needs in the 1980’s & 1990’s.

Grace was an ardent golfer at Biltmore Forest Country Club where she was president of the Ladies Golf League on two occasions. She also loved baseball, fishing, music and gardening. But her greatest love was her family.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 2:00 pm, at First Baptist Church Asheville, located at 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Senior Pastor Mack Dennis and Pastor of Congregational Care Leah Brown, will lead the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the Brazil Family kindly asks that donations be made to First Baptist Church Legacy Fund in the name of Grace Brazil (fbca.net.online-giving/. Select designated gifts and type in “Legacy Fund – Grace Brazil”). Or donation can be sent to First Baptist Church – Legacy Fund, at 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801. The Brazil’s thank you for honoring Grace and her life.

The Brazil family would like to also thank Mountain Home Care, Care Partners Hospice, and Dr. Tom Rennard for their loving care and medical attention over the past couple of years.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.