Theodis Grate

Theodis Grate, affectionately known as “Tee”, was born as a twin with her late brother (Theodore Grate) on October 29, 1943 in Anderson, South Carolina. She was the fifth of six children born to the late Rev. Thomas, Sr. and Postell Grate.

Growing up in the New Light Community of Anderson, Tee enjoyed walking the country roads to visit family members and driving with her father to the various churches in Seneca, Easley, Norris, and Anderson communities. As a “Preacher’s Kid”, Tee accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and spent a lot of her time in the Holiness Fire Baptized church where she mastered tambourines and the double clap. She attended Riverside High School in Pendleton, where she was a “Power Forward” on the girls’ basketball team and graduated in 1961.

In 1962, she hitched a ride with her oldest brother and sister-in-law leaving the dirt roads to the streets of Los Angeles, California. Big city dreams but always a country girl at heart. In 1965, she gave birth to her only son, who she adored. During her 32 years in Los Angeles, she was employed by several companies specializing in office management and logistics. Tee got a taste of Hollywood and became the family “Fashionista”. She shopped at boutiques and was known for her fine clothing. High heels and silk blouses, never sneakers or T-shirts. Her outfits and hairstyles were always on point at family gatherings, especially at cookouts and backyard boogies.

In 1994, Tee returned home to her South Carolina roots. She was a member of New Holly Light Missionary Baptist Church and participated in multiple church organizations such as the Unified and Spiritual choir, Senior Missionary, and Pastor’s Aide. Tee also provided community service by distributing food and other items donated from a local business from the trunk of her car. She was employed as a Home Health Aide until her health declined.

Tee had an outgoing personality, and she knew how to have a good time She enjoyed sports, dancing, playing Bingo, and making peach cobbler. She shared her recipe, which many tried to duplicate but never could replicate.

On May 21, 2026, Tee left this life to join those who preceded her in death: her parents, Rev. Thomas Grate, Sr. and Postell Grate; four brothers, Thomas Grate, Jr., Benjamin Grate, Theodore Grate, and Carl Grate; and one sister, Fannie Raye Elliott.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her son, Shawn Williams; granddaughters Tessa Vandiver and Shawndayis Williams; great-grandchildren, Gabriel Thompson, Annalise Thompson, and Michael Vandiver; three sisters-in-law, Patricia Grate, Jerelean Grate, and Sherry Grate; uncles, Cornell Grate (Rachel) and Nathaniel Grate (Paulette); aunt, Janice Jackson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026 at New Holly Light Missionary.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at 331 Grate Road, Anderson, SC.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Theodis Grate, please visit our floral store.