Barton Green
Oxford Graduate School's Oxford Widow Watch
On the wintry morning of February 11, 1905, Grace Irene entered the world; the third child of Ida Aldona Dobbs and Robert Tate Curton.
Grace’s early days were spent mostly on the road, due to her father’s employment in the thriving lumber trade. Eventually the family settled in Rhea County, Tennessee. And once the roots took hold, little Grace quickly blossomed; sprouting as fast and tall as one of her father’s trees. So tall in fact that she easily made Spring City High School’s award-winning basketball team. And handling both basket balls and books with equal skill, Grace graduated in 1925.
Being a natural born educator and wanting to stay close to her Spring City roots, Grace entered the work force as a school teacher, starting at the local elementary. It was there, one afternoon, that a young man in a green suit appeared at her classroom door, asking to visit his cousin. Taken off guard by the unexpected intrusion, Grace introduced the stranger to her students as "Mr. Green," not knowing that her description was in fact his real surname.
That impromptu meeting was the beginning of a relationship which eventually led Grace to take Herbert Barton's colorful last name as her own. They took their September 1926 wedding vows in a minister's driveway, sitting in the backseat of the pastor’s car.
Over the next ten years, Barton and Grace conceived three children; Betty Jo, Hollis, and Susanne. Their productive marriage was shortened, however, by the early death of Barton, October 8, 1937. Since Social Security provisions were not yet a reality, 32 year old Grace went to work at a local factory and struggled to raised her small children.
Undaunted by her circumstances, Grace publicly committed herself to God's kingdom and quickly learned that her personal ministry was as an Intercessor. As she walked to and from work each day, she perfected the art of "arrow prayers." The young widow was confident that her children were not really fatherless, but were protected by the watchful eye of their heavenly Father. "The Church" soon became their second home.
Using her teaching skills, Grace got involved in the education department of her local congregation. And over the years she received countless notes and comments declaring,
" ..You’re the best teacher I ever had."
In 1955, Grace moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to help her youngest daughter Susanne and husband Rev. Wayne Faust in the founding of a church. Tirelessly, she canvassed the neighborhood and taught the Junior Sunday School class. But at her oldest daughter's Betty Jo’s request, she eventually returned to Chattanooga to look after her growing grandchildren.
When the children reached school age, Grace ventured to Toledo, Ohio and served as Dorm Mother for nurses-in-residence at Toledo General Hospital. But upon learning that her former Chattanooga pastor had become president of Lee College, back home, Grace decided to try for a position there. In time, she was named Dean of one of the women's dormitories, and ministered in that mother/teacher capacity until her retirement at the age of 68.
Grace's definition of "retirement" however, was far from restful. She kept active as the eldest member of her local Chattanooga church, and traveled extensively. By now in her 70’s Grace took off for visits to the Caribbean, and even accompanied her son, Dr. Hollis Green, the Chancellor of Oxford Graduate School (OGS), on four separate trips to England.
On the occasion of Grace Green's 84th birthday, OGS inaugurated the Oxford Widow Watch program in honor of the lessons displayed by her many single years of faith and strength.
But this teacher was not the type to sit on her laurels. She continued to travel, making several cross-country trips from Tennessee to California to visit the Fausts at their Anaheim parish. (Sue was a little upset when Grace, at the age of 85, phoned to say she was coming for a California holiday - by bus!)
Grace Green was never without a goal. Life was not easy, but she worked hard and was granted the years necessary to see the fruits of her labors bloom. Grace and Barton's three children gave them eight grandchildren and, to date, eight great-grandchildren. Their progeny serves the world in such diversified fields as administrators, business executives, health care workers, and among them there is an award-winning writer, a Tony-nominated actor, and of course, teachers.
But even with this wealth of accomplishment, her ultimate goal was always before her. "Never be afraid to trust your unknown future to the all-knowing God," she once wrote, "If He sends us on stony ground, He prepares strong shoes."
In the early morning hours of May 4, 1996, she finally realized the truth of her long-held philosophy. After 91 years, two months and 22 days, the earthly life of teacher Grace Green came to a close.
As the widow of 59 years approached the threshold of reunion with Barton, she was alert and at peace. Her last words are not only a testament of her life, they are a testimony of her faith; teaching those of us who remain the final, ultimate lesson of grace...
"I'm not afraid. I am ready to go."