Judy Gratten

Judy Kay Gratten was born on January 2, 1963 in Austin, Texas to Theodis and Myrtice Gratten.

Judy professed her love for Jesus Christ at an early age and was baptized under the pastoral leadership of the late Dr. Marvin C. Griffin at Ebenezer Baptist Church.  She went on to join and serve at Christ Memorial Baptist Church. She had a heart for under-served communities as she helped lead the Bus Ministry and Vacation Bible School at several housing projects in the Austin area and co-led Small Groups at church. She did not wait for people to come to church to be connected with the greatness of God; she went to the community. Her heart was to be light wherever she went. She was “not ashamed of the gospel; for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16)

She served in manufacturing through IBM, Tracor, Motorola, and others. She went on to attend a business program at Austin Community College, earned her Commercial Drivers’ License, and awakened a love for serving people through delivery service. From there she created her own small business doing “hot-shot” delivery and named it Adonai Delivery Service. It was here she met life-long friends, served the Central Texas area, and shared her ever-shining smile as she subcontracted with Alpine Delivery Service, UPS, and others.

Judy received her education from Austin Independent School District. She had a love for basketball and played on the varsity basketball team. She graduated from Lanier High School. In 1984, Judy gave birth to a beautiful daughter and named her Brandy Mytrice Gratten and passed the love of sports to her. They watched and played sports together often. Judy attended all her volleyball and basketball games and was known for her lively cheering. It was usual to see Judy and Brandy working out together at the gym. Judy was typically outlifting Brandy and showing her how to get stronger. They also loved walking the track together and talking about how God’s Word influences their daily lives. Weekly, they hosted Sabbath Bible study in their home. Judy would always say to Brandy, “We are going to Zion.” Judy was dedicated to teaching everyone the truth and power of God’s Word and especially her daughter. Twice they together toured the land of Israel with their Torah study group.

Judy is known for her love of God and her smile. Her smile and laughter were contagious. She brought light every place she entered. She is also known for her “no-quit” mentality. Whether she was studying a challenging Scripture passage, practicing her weight-lifting training, getting a delivery out to a customer, or working to beat cancer every-day…she never gave up. Quit was not in her vocabulary or practice (Phillipians 3:14).

Her favorite Scripture she recited daily was Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

She is preceded in death by her Father, Theodis Gratten; Mother, Mytrice Johnson Gratten; Brothers, Theodore “Ted” Gratten, Waymon Gratten, Danny Gratten, Garry Gratten, and Robert Gratten.

To cherish her memories are her Daughter - Brandy Woods (Charles); Siblings - Linda Gratten, James Gratten (Gloria), Barbara Roland (Thomas), Richard Gratten (Bernetta), Douglas Gratten, Debra Houston, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, other Relatives, and Friends.

Favorite Scripture

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

4 “Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! 5 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. 8 You shall also tie them as a sign to your hand, and they shall be as frontlets on your forehead. 9 You shall also write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

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