In Loving Memory of

Gracie Mae McIntosh Guerry

December 19, 1932 – August 23, 2026

Gracie Mae McIntosh Guerry, a beloved educator, devoted wife, faithful Christian, and cherished family matriarch, peacefully departed this life on August 23, 2026, at the age of 93. Born on December 19, 1932, in Birmingham, Alabama, Gracie was the daughter of Aubrey Owen McIntosh Jr. and Ruby Galloway McIntosh. She was the third of nine children and was raised in a loving family that instilled in her the values of faith, education, service, and perseverance. 

Gracie received her education through the Birmingham Public School System and graduated from Parker High School. Dedicated to lifelong learning, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Miles College, a Master of Arts in Education, and an A.A. degree from the University of Montevallo. For many years, Gracie faithfully served the children of Birmingham as an educator in the Birmingham Public Schools. Her career included service at Lincoln Elementary School, Powell Elementary School, and Huffman Middle School. While teaching at Powell Elementary School, she was honored as Alabama Teacher of the Year, a testament to her exceptional dedication, excellence in education, and lasting impact on her students and colleagues. Through her dedication, compassion, and commitment to excellence, she touched countless lives before retiring from a distinguished career in education after more than 40 years of devoted service.

Gracie met and married the love of her life, Perry Josphesus Guerry. Together they shared 53½ wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Their union was blessed with many treasured memories, including raising her younger sister, Gwendolyn McIntosh Williams, from the age of seven as their own daughter. Gracie and Perry built a home rooted in faith, family, and love.

She enjoyed traveling the world with her beloved “PJ,” cultivating a beautiful yard that earned a beautification award for the City of Fairfield, and indulging in one of her favorite pastimes—shopping at Parisian stores across the country. Wherever she went, Gracie carried her elegance, warmth, and joyful spirit.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Gracie dedicated her life to Christ at an early age while growing up at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Ensley, Alabama. She later became a devoted member of First Baptist Church Fairfield, where she faithfully worshipped and served for many years. Even as her  health declined, her commitment to God remained steadfast, and she continued attending services until she was physically unable to do so.Gracie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Perry J. Guerry; her parents, Aubrey and Ruby McIntosh, Sr.; her siblings, Lillian “Lois” McIntosh Miller (Maxie, Sr.), Aubrey McIntosh, Jr. (Bernice), Gloria McIntosh Harville (Charles), Bobbie Jean McIntosh Cunningham (Rev. William),William McIntosh, and Shirley McIntosh Williams; and her beloved nephews and niece, Michael McIntosh, Frederick McIntosh, Roderick McIntosh, and Sharon Kaye Underwood.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving siblings, Ronald McIntosh, Sr. (Patricia) and Gwendolyn McIntosh Williams (Judge Walter F.*); her devoted nieces and nephews, Dr. Maxie Miller, Jr. (Brenda), Linda Faye Bates (Tom), Terry Miller, Cass R. Miller, Cedric Harville, Sr. (Patricia), William Underwood, Rosalyn Williams (Christopher), Erika Williams Wiggins, Edric Williams (Erica), Ronald McIntosh, Jr. (Sharonda), Shawntee McIntosh, Hillary Williams-Joiner (Dana), and Heather Williams; along with a host of great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family members, former students, colleagues, church family, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her love, wisdom, and grace. Gracie Mae McIntosh Guerry leaves behind a legacy of faith, education, service, and unconditional love. Her life was a testimony to devotion—to God, to family, and to the countless lives she touched. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

*Deceased