Grace Theresa Perriello

Grace Theresa Perriello, 80, born on May 17, 1934, in Medford, Massachusetts, passed away March 16, 2015. She resided in Corona, California at the time of her passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Covina, California.

GRACE THERESA PERRIELLO was born in Medford, Massachusetts on May 17th,1934 to the late Charles L. Perriello and Margaret Natalie (Caruso) Perriello. The eldest of two children, with a younger brother, Louis Perriello, Grace attended Medford public schools and eventually went on to receive a religious education at Saint Clemens in Somerville, Massachusetts. As a child and throughout her teenage years, Grace always knew how to captivate a room with her words and her vibrancy – traits that remained strong throughout her life.

In 1953, Grace relocated to Boston, where she did administrative work at Chilton Greeting Card Co. It was around this time that she met and formed a relationship with Phil Gunter. Out of their relationship came her eldest son, Philip Perriello.

Not long after, in 1956, Grace began a relationship with James W. Williams and the two had their first child, Sandra Marie in 1957. The couple relocated to Baltimore where their family grew tremendously. In 1958 James Williams, Jr. was born, followed by four more children: Curtis, Wayne, Theresa and Lisa.
In the spring of 1965, Grace was introduced to William Samuel Terry. This relationship blossomed and they were united in marriage that December in Washington, D.C. The pair made the decision to leave the East Coast and move to California in order to create a better life for their large family. It was at this time, that Grace gave her life to the Lord. In March 1966, Grace was baptized at Apostolic Faith Assembly in Los Angeles, California and shortly after that, was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Grace and William eventually had their first, and only, child together, Rebecca in February 1968. Never one to sit still, Grace enrolled in and completed nurse training courses at Gardena Adult School and at Gardena Memorial Hospital. She then begin her career both staffing at local hospitals as well as working as a private duty nurse for several years through the Santa Monica Nursing Registry.

Grace was the proud grandmother of eighteen grandchildren – each of which held a special place in her heart – and sixteen great-grandchildren. Grace was a woman who touched all who she came in contact with from her family – immediate and extended, friends, neighbors, even the people who helped her in the grocery store (one of her favorite places). She practiced non-judgement and always extended a smile or warm word. And when she wasn't spreading the message of Jesus or making people laugh, she loved nothing more than to spend time with her family, enjoying a sandwich from Panera and a cup of piping hot decaf, watching reality TV shows like Mob Wives and Real Housewives, writing poems and short stories and telling tales of Boston – the city that forever had her heart.

On March 16, 2015, early evening, the Master of the Universe gently whispered Grace's name and received her spirit. With loving arms, the Good Shepherd carried her, hidden in His bosom to her rest – rest from the cares and woes of this earthly realm. Although our hearts are broken, we are confident in our faith, knowing, we will be reunited with our mother and grandmother again in Peace. We thank God for so great a love. Grace's beautiful spirit will continue to live on through those who loved and knew her best, Phillip Anthony Williams, Sandra Maria Coleman (deceased), James Wilson Williams, Jr. (Theresa), Curtis Lennel Williams, Wayne Wilson Williams (deceased), Theresa Lynn Williams (Thomas), Lisa Mary Williams (Derrick), and Rebecca Irene Green (Michael), William Terry "Dad", 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, her brother Louise Perriello (Karen) and her lifelong friend and sister of the heart, Bettye Jarrett, along a wealth of people who loved and cherished her.

"The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength"
– Nehemiah 8:10