BUXTON– Grace Maybelle Ballance Peele, 86, died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014, in aNags Head hospital. She was born May 22, 1927 to EllsworthBurrus Ballance and Eliva Christian Rollinson Ballance in Frisco. She was the last of a great generation, being preceded in death by herparents, her husband, and her six siblings, Thurman Ballance, Myrtis B.Austin, Wheeler Ballance, Gamaiel Ballance, Mary B. Gray and E.B.Ballance.
Grace married Mahlon Boyd Peele on September1, 1946 in South Carolina. They moved to Norfolk, Va., where sheworked for the telephone company and Boyd worked on a tug boat for manyyears. Later they moved back to Hatteras Island and openedCaptain Peele’s Restaurant. After several years in the restaurantbusiness, she lost her beloved Boyd. She then worked at the TowerCircle Motel as head of housekeeping, then from there to the FriscoNative American Museum, where she worked another 15 years. Duringthis time she moved to Buxton, where she spent her last years.
Gracewas a loving wife, beloved sister, doting aunt and loyal friend tomany. She loved fishing and was a founding member of the “Fishin’Pelicans Surf Fishing Team.” She was an excellent caregiver,pending many hours caring for her extended family.
She is survived by many nieces and nephews and their children.
Amemorial service was held on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Twiford’s IslandChapel, Hatteras, with Rev. Roger Barnett and Rev. Dwight Burrusofficiating. A celebration of her life followed at the HatterasCivic Center. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to theHatteras Island Cancer Foundation, POB 442, Hatteras, NC 27943.
TwifordFuneral Home, Hatteras, NC is assisting the family with arrangements.Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com.
