Gracie Lee Hartsfield-Forward was born on July 17,1956, from the unification of Belton and Tommie Lee Hartsfield in Newton,TX. She went to be with her lord and savior Jesus Christ on September 5, 2020.

Gracie graduated from Newton High School in 1974. Soon after she married Levester Spikes. While at the same time attending Kilgore Junior College and Stephen F. Austin were she earned a business degree. To this union was born Broderick Spikes (deceased), Derrick Spikes (Mary), and Brandon Spikes. Soon after, she went on to become a Licensed Voc. Nurse. In 1992, she married her loving and devoted husband Randy Forward. To this union came Brianna " Scooter " Forward, Key'Yani Horn, and god daughter Tanya Watson Cuney.

In 1998, she became a minister in the CME church. In 2004, she received a degree in ministry at Light Christian Ins. Her and Randy birthed WOF Christian Center in 2005. Gracie was preceded in death by her father, mother, son (Broderick, her sisters Doll Faye Irvine, RIta Hartsfield, and Tommy Jean Byerly, and her brothers Marvin, Turner, Elnoise, and Gene Hartsfield.

She leaves to cherish her memories William (Irene), Trennis (Bridget) Franklin, Tyler,Tx. Her husband Randy Forward, sons Derrick and Brandon Spikes, daughters Brianna " Scooter " Forward, Ke'Yani Horn, god daughter Tanya Watson Cuney, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews , wonderful friends , and church family.