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Acknowledgement 
 
The family thanks you sincerely for your kindness and sympathy at a time when it was deeply appreciated. 
 
Arrangements Entrusted to: 
 
J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home, Inc. 
179-24 Linden Boulevard Jamaica, New York (718) 526-5656 
www. jfosterphillips.com Carole and Neil Foster Phillips, Funeral Directors 
 
Jfome C}oing Ce[e6ration 
for 
Juanita qrate 
 
Sunrise 
August 15, 1923 
 
Sunset 
October 1 , 2014 
 
Service Friday, October 24, 2014- 6:00 PA1 
 
J. FOS'IER PHILLIPS FUNERAL HOME, INC. 
179-24 Linden Boulevard Jamaica, New York 
 
Reverend Regina Bird Russ, Officiating Barry Johnson, Organist 
Interment South View Cemetery 
Atlanta, Georgia 
 
 Order ofService 
Musical Prelude Processional Hymn of Comfort ................................................................... Barry Johnson Scripture Reading .............................................. Reverend Regina Bird Russ Prayer ............................................................... Reverend Regina Bird Russ Musical Selection ................................................................... Barry Johnson Acknowledgements & Remarks .............................................2 minutes only Obituary................................................................................... Rita Williams Poem Reading ....................................................................... Cheree Sophas Musical Selection ................................................................... Barry Johnson Eulogy ............................................................... Reverend Regina Bird Russ Musical Selection ................................................................... Barry Johnson Committal Benediction Recessional 
 
Obituary 
Juanita Jennings Grate AKA "Momma Grate" and ''Nitzi" was born on August 15, 1923 on Piedmont and Houston Streets in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her primary education at Our Lady of Lourdes parochial school where she used to meet the young Martin Luther King, Jr. on the corner of Jackson and Auburn on his way to the public school. They never had a conversation. They would just wait there until the other one got there, then just look at each other, then go their separate ways. 
Juanita was raised by her paternal grandmother, Katie McBride, who was the first African American woman to own and operate a hotel in Atlanta. This hotel was where all of the black entertainers would stay. She then graduated from Booker T. Washington High School and continued her education at Spellman College for two years. She took a short course at the Government Trade School in Long Island City to become Rosie the Welder. She met the love of her life, Henry Grate, at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. After WWII, she took the State Boards and became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She married Henry on September 16, 1950. 
From this union, seven children were born: Henry Jr., Harold, Howard, Lynette, Harvey (Divine), Katie and Roslyn (Rocky). Juanita is a published author of Juanita Grate: Katie McBride's Granddaughter. 
Juanita touched so many lives with her love of family, baking, cooking, music, animals, babies and her flair with rhinestones and sequins. She will be solely missed. 
She is preceded in death by her husband Henry of 60 years, sister Lorraine and her brother James. She is survived by all seven of her children, daughter-in-law Lisa, son-in-law Timothy; brother-in-law David, sister-inlaw Freida; niece Tammy, nephews, Herbert, Jr and Errol (wife Allyson). Fifteen grandchildren: Cheryl, Fahru, Adron, Rasheed, Shana, Eubie, Joshua, Jourdan, Jamal, Lorraine, Lydia, Tron, Devyn, Xan and Josh. Twelve great-grandchildren: Jasmyn, Jocelyn, Edris, Issia, Tyler, Arel, Jayden, Malaysia, Daleeya, Chester, Stellan and Sariya. Extended family including: The Miller family, Sharon, Traci and Alice (Shorty). The 
Health Aides, Kamara and Katrina who took such good care ofNitzi; Dr. 
Ramito, Dr. Kalkstein, Dr. Patetsios and Mr. Cliff Eng. 
One of mom's favorite sayings was, "You do the best that you can for as long as you can" (she led by example)- because when you're smiling the whole world smiles with you! 
Loving Submitted, The Grate Family