Just over 21 years ago, on April 4th, Grace Joelle Carlton began her journey into this world. Born in Terre Haute in 2000, her first taste of travel took her on a road trip with her mother, Mary, as far west as roads would take them, before Grace was 10 months old. It was in San Diego that Gracie met her father, Brian, and they let the Navy take the three of them from the left coast to the gulf coast. In Mississippi, her sister Annalea joined their gypsy caravan 4 years Grace’s junior. For the third time, Grace crossed the country and in Colorado watched her brother Sylar being born when she was 7. At 10, Grace and her family found themselves on the right coast, making a home in North Carolina. At 11, her family started traveling across the US in an RV, and stayed on the road for two years. 13 found Grace in California again, this time getting on a plane to Bangkok. For the next year, she collected stamps in her passport from 17 different countries. She prayed to Buddha and went zip lining in Thailand, and surfed in Indonesia. She ate escargot in Paris, and at 14, helped teach at a school for 3 months in Ireland. She rode a dogsled across the Arctic Circle in Finland and sampled treats from artisan chocolate makers in Belgium. She visited Malaysia, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, England, Scotland, Romania and Iceland.
When she returned to the U.S. at 15, her film career started and she was cast and starred in multiple films. She also participated in local theater as well as working as stage and film crew. She finished her primary schooling at home and attended Ivy Tech and ISU. Her goal was to create a holistic and spiritual environment through the use of yoga, massage therapy, and self acceptance. Even though Grace was a quick learner, with an amazing work ethic, mentors and colleagues alike found that they learned even more from her, particularly adults. At her core, Grace was very much a coach/teacher/mentor and lifted people up even when she wasn’t aware or intending to do it. It seemed to come completely naturally to her.
On May 26th, 2021, Grace was involved in a single vehicle car accident, along with Justin Humphreys, the man Grace envisioned growing old with. Tragically, Grace was not able to survive. In 21 short years, Grace experienced more, and accomplished more, than most people. Her spirit was unstoppable and couldn’t be contained. When Grace entered a room, it became more vibrant, more full of life and energy. Her passion and good nature was surprising and refreshing. Grace never knew a stranger.
When Grace left this world, she left behind her mother and father, her sister and brother, grandparents on both sides, cousins, and many aunts and uncles, both by blood relation and by spiritual bond, and her four half brothers that she was expecting to meet for the first time later this year. Her boyfriend survived the accident and has found acceptance and love with her family, and they continue to find solace and support with each other.
Rest In Peace Gracie Jo. If anyone deserves peace, it’s you.
Memorial services will be held at Klepts Restaurant 9711 US-40, Terre Haute, IN 47803 on Sunday, June 6, 2021 from 5-7pm.
Please share memories on Grace’s Facebook page or light a candle at www.frenchfuneralhome.com.