Idell Gratts

  Mrs. Idell Gratts, age 84, of Weatherford, departed this life on April 18, 2007, after a lengthy illness. She was born on January 22, 1923, in Weatherford, to Felix and Myrtle Lee Chandler. She attended school in Parker County. Idell married Lawson Gratts on October 13, 1937, and to this union 15 children were born. Mrs. Gratts accepted Christ at an early age and united with Prince Memorial C.M.E. Church and was active until her illness. Mrs. Gratts was featured in several Weatherford newspapers being named Mother of the Year and in several breast cancer survivors stories in October 1997. 

  Mrs. Gratts was preceded in death by her husband, Lawson Gratts; sister, Ruby Sneed; one son, Melvin Douglas Gratts; one daughter, Alana Gratts; two granddaughters, Karen Tatum and Teresa Dell Sansom; and one grandson, Isaiah Vince Atencio. 

  She is survived by eight sons, Aldrin (Emma) Gratts of West Orange, New Jersey, Jack  (Venus) Gratts of Grand Prairie, Bobby (Robin) Gratts of Arlington, Joe (Merla) Gratts of Arlington, Charles (Paula) Gratts, Floyd (Angela) Gratts, James Gratts, and Lewis Gratts, all of Weatherford; five daughters, Evelyn (Tommy) Loudres of Weatherford, Dr. Idella (Dr. Rufus) Pollard of Tyler, Geraldine (Ernest) Turner of Aurora Colorado, Virginia (Tony) Green of Fort Worth, and Lenora Alston of Jamaica, New York; one adopted son, Jessie A. Walker; 46 grandchildren; 53 great grandchildren; host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many extended family members and friends. 

  Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 24, 2007, in the Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, with interment in Willow Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday evening, April 23, 2007, at the funeral home.