In Memory
Spencer Cariedeo Grady, Sr.
June 20, 1933 ~ May 8, 2025 91 Years Old
Spencer Grady was born June 20, 1933, to the union of Lula and Governor Grady in South Bend, Indiana. He was the 5th of 9 children. He attended Perley Elementary School and Central High School. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He met Lillie Smith in 1957, and they were married in 1959. To that union one son was born, Spencer. Jr.
He was employed by Studebaker Auto Plant after returning from the service and worked there until it closed. Shortly after the plant’s closing, he was employed by The South Bend School Corporation where he worked 33 years and decided to retire.
He was the first African American to be hired by Notre Dame as an usher for football and basketball games. After ushering a few years, he was made supervisor of the ushers. He was well respected and liked by management and staff and worked there for 53 years and decided to retire.
Spencer was a member of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church for more than 60 years. He served on the Usher Board, a member of the Sunday school, and the Food Pantry which served food to families in the community. He was also an avid golfer and bowler. He and his wife both remained with the teams until his untimely death.
Spencer was always well-dressed. He loved nice cars and kept them super clean always. When he was younger, he liked working on cars. He had many talents, and made sure that family knew he would assist them if they needed him. Family was very important to him, and the young to the elderly family members loved him.
Spencer and Lillie were married 65 years and shared a wonderful life together. They were loved by everyone who knew them. In their elderly years, they were blessed with two “angels” (Martha Hawkins and her husband Wayne) who brought much joy to their lives. Spencer and Lillie stated they treated them like they were their parents. They checked on them every day and showed unconditional love always.
Spencer made his transition on May 8, 2025. He was preceded in death by both parents and 7 siblings: Ruth Nichols, Effie Wilson, Norma Weaver, Governor Grady, Jr., Burdett Grady, Catherine Green and Barry Grady.
He leaves to mourn his precious memories his loving wife, Lillie, one son, Spencer (Teresa) Grady, Jr., Corona, California; one sister, Doris Grady, Ocala, Florida; three granddaughters, Sheila(Alex)Guzman, Samantha Grady and Carlie Grady, all of Corona, California; one great granddaughter, Mila Guzman, Corona California; four sisters-in-law, Geraldine Grady, Overland Park, Missouri; Mable Grady, South Bend, Indiana; Ruby Larkin and Rosie Banks, both of Chicago, Illinois; three brothers-in-law, Charles(Barbara)Smith, George(Jean)Smith and Leroy Smith, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Services for Spencer will be held, Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 101 N. Adams Street, South Bend, IN 46628. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery, South Bend, IN. Palmer Funeral Home-West Chapel is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for Spencer at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
5/15/2025 djb
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