THE ORIGIN BRANCH

The seed planted for Gracie Lee Dozier Luster's life by her parents, Alvis and Katherine Dozier, bloomed in Hickory Flats, Mississippi on September 2, 1935. She later moved to Blytheville, Arkansas. She was taken out of school at an early age and was unable to fulfill her dreams to be a Geriatric nurse. She has a special love for the elderly. Instead, she had to assist in the upbringing of her siblings and other children, to assist the elderly in the area and to work in the cotton fields.

Gracie branched from her family and married Leslie Franklin and later branched again to marry Robert (Peck) Luster. 

Gracie planted her life mainly in Chicago, Illinois. She sustained her family by working in cleaners, restaurant lounges, and babysitting. In 1979, she relocated her family to Missouri City, Texas and the following year purchased a home. She and her daughter, Joyce, started a business named, "Granny and Bug's Daycare" where they loved and cared for children as if they were their own. She was affectionately known as, "Cool Cup Granny", the name was given to her by her great-grans (Charles Jr. and Chas). There was never a time her door wasn't open for a meal and a place to stay. Everyone was treated as her own so if anyone did wrong, they got the switch just like everyone!  Gracie enjoyed having family and friends drop by and there was always dancing, good conversation and good eating.

THE FAITH BRANCH

Mother loved God and enjoyed reading her Bible late at night. Throughout her life, she made sure she was at church every Sunday until she became ill. In Chicago, she was a choir member under the leadership of Rev. Cleveland Whittington (New Rising Sun MBC). After moving to Texas, she joined the St. Stephens MBC under the leadership of the late Pastor Murdock Smith, Sr. where she served as a nurse's aide and remained under the current leadership of Pastor Paul D. Landrew (Loving Word Fellowship). Kids and grownups gathered around to get candy and snacks from her every Sunday. 

Gracie had a deep abiding love for her pastor, Pastor Landrew. She knew she could call on him and he would be there in the capacity she needed him. Pastor Landrew made several visits to her home and the hospital. He is well loved and respected by her entire family. 

THE GRIEVING BRANCH

In their later years, Gracie took care of her parents until they were called home to be with the Lord. Gracie also shed tears for the loss of her brother Henry and sister Lena.

With sadness of hearts and cherished memories, sitting on Gracie's grieving branch are her 6 daughters and 3 sons; Jean (Gilbert), Charles, Don, Debra, Denise (Michael), Joyce "Bug" (Sylvester), Theresa, Patricia "Patsy" (Melvin) and Tajuan (Shalonda deceased).

Her grandchildren: Charles (Patricia), Tenika, Chandra, Sherice, Shavonne, Rashida, Riochi, Timothy, Tiffany, Jason, Latoya, Tyesha (Matt), Jonathan, Josylen (10th child), Syara, Arius, Jajuan (Mercy), Tajuan Jr., Javaughn, Malik, Amara. Her 20 great-grandchildren. 

Her siblings: Walter (Ollie), Jettie, Arcola (J.B.) and Hardy C. A host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends share memories as well.

THE PARTING BRANCH

As with all good trees, Gracie Lee Dozier Luster's tree has served its time. Her tree has bared many fruits and her branches blessed many souls providing shade and comfort to many. Now, it is well with her soul and on June 3, 2019 at 10:29 AM, her tree of life ended its service to the world and she entered into her eternal rest.

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