Brittney Eleanor (Simmons) Grady

    Brittney Eleanor Simmons Grady was born to lead. Her steady leadership proved invaluable during her high school years at Apalachicola Middle/High School during her six-year reign as class president, student government member, cheerleading captain, and in her senior year, prom queen. In 1996, Brittney accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Savior. She was baptized at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and served her church through her beloved dance ministry, youth choir, usher board, and youth mission at.

    While attending Florida A&M University [FAMU] in Tallahassee, Brittney dove head-first in the college experience and was active in many clubs and organizations. It was during these years, she met and fell in love with Michael Grady, II, and the two became inseparable. After obtaining her degree, Brittney moved to Panama City to be closer to Michael and advance her professional career. She became a college recruiter at Gulf Coast Junior College until 2013 when she became an employee of Bay District Schools as a guidance counselor. In this ministry God had appointed for her, the first assignment was Arnold High School on Panama City Beach before moving on to New Horizon Learning Center in 2018. She also married the love of her life September 22, 2018.

    As a guidance counselor at New Horizon, Brittney initiated new programs and activities to create a robust and fulfilling high school experience for her students. The faculty at New Horizon recognized her commitment, honoring her as their 2022 Teacher of the Year. In the Fall of 2022, Brittney returned to the collegiate workforce and welcomed a new career as Assistant Director of Recruitment and Student Services at Florida State University/Panama City Campus.

    In the Panama City community, Brittney shared her time with the New Gulf Coast Community Choir, serving on its Board of Directors. She was also involved with the League of Women Voters and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She loved her sorority and enjoyed working on its various committees, especially those that focused on students.

    Britney’s passion for the younger generation took a very personal turn January 13, 2013, when she added motherhood to her life and began a journey she and Michael embraced. Madison Camille Grady was welcomed by big brother Kingston and together, the family built a beautiful life, made even more special when Michael Louis Grady, III came along January 11, 2020, completing their family.

    Earning her master’s degree from Troy University in 2014, Brittney aspired to learn even more and recently submitted her application for the doctorate program at Florida State University and was awaiting their decision. She knew it would be a very intense and time-consuming journey, but she also knew she had the support of a devoted husband and supportive family.

    A consummate planner, especially for events for her family and friends, Brittney was in the midst of arranging new activities when God revised her plan, and instead of the planned trip to her Apalachicola home to participate in her close friends’ annual Christmas party and attend her home church’s Christmas program, He gave her a new destination: her heavenly home.

    Affectionately called “LaLa” by her closest friends, Brittney’s sudden departure has left many unanswered questions and devastated the hearts of those who loved her, but we all know she would encourage us to pick up the pieces, make new plans and work to make them a reality. So, as we reflect of her many memories, in honor of such an amazing person, we shall make every effort to move on and embrace life with a joyful heart, a twinkle in our eyes, and an effervescent smile, just like her.

    A welcoming party joyously greeting Brittney’s arrival in Heaven led by her angel, Baby Grady, their middle child who passed away in utero, as well as her grandfather Albert Mount, Jr., grandparents James and Dorothy Simmons, and Mitchell & Mildred Grady, and uncles James Hall, Jimmy Simmons, and Robert Ford.

    Remaining here on Earth to reflect on their life together, cherish their memories and remember Brittney forever will be the love of her life, her loving and devoted husband Michael Grady, II. and their three children that were her world-Kingston, Madison, and Michael, III. Also, her parents Bernard Simmons, Sr. and Elinor Mount-Simmons; her brother, “Brother Bear” Bernard Simmons, II (Nina); her twin sister Deanna “DT” Simmons, the ying to her yang; as well as her grandmother Sarah Mount; parent-in-laws Michael and Mechelle Grady; sisters-in-laws: Mesha Ware (Eugene, II) and Mia Grady; brother-in-law Jamal Cain; aunts- Cecelia Wynn, Frances Jones (Charles), Gail Johnson (Van), Jessica Ford, Joyce Toliver, Mary Mathis (Clyde), Pam Hall, Sandra Myers (Dorrie), Simonetta Barnes; uncles-John Clark and Ret. Colonel Gregory Hall (JoAnn); nieces-Brooklyn and Nyla Ware; nephews-Bernard “Bo” Simmons, III, Eugene Ware, III and Princeton Peterson; Godsister Keeva Hollinhead; Godchildren Braylen Brown, Kaitlin Adams, and Drayson McClendon. As the glue in her circle, she will also be deeply missed by her close friends: Ashley Webb, Despiny Ellerson (also her cousin), Gwen Jackson, Hope Critton, Isha Brown, Jessica Parker, Katie Levesque, KeAsha Dorsett, Santana Myers, Shonda Williams, Tamara Lewis, and Tanicia Bell; her Apalachicola Class of 2004 and a host of fun-loving cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to Michael Grady and New Gulf Coast Choir,

a not for profit 501(c)3 organization. All proceeds will be used for the benefit of Britney’s children

Madison (age 9) and Michael Grady, III (age 2).
Cash App: $nugulf
Mail: Prime Meridian Bank
        PO Box 13629, Tallahassee, FL 32317
 

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