MY MOTHER – Grace Edith Whitestone, (nee Rye, nee Dexter) born in 1911 to Ernest and Matilda Dexter.

When Grace Edith Dexter was born on 4 April 1911 with the birth being registered in Windsor Berkshire, her father Ernest, was 28 and her mother Matilda 27. She married George Whitestone in 1938 in Brentford, Middlesex.  At that time she was a Rye, having been married for a short time, to Edwin Rye who sadly passed away in 1932 at the age of 28.

The Women’s Voluntary Service

 Grace Edith lived in the United Kingdom during World War II and would have been aware of the Women’s Voluntary Service effort.

George and Grace  had one child, Terence, during their marriage. She died on 1 January 1983 at home in Egham, Surrey, at the age of 71.

Grace, although originally a Methodist, attended the Baptist Chapel in Bridge Street Staines.  As a young child I also attended the Chapel on Sunday mornings, in what was called ‘Sunday School’. I sang in the choir (although only 3 of us young lads). I recall baptisements taking place. I think perhaps I enjoyed the walking to and back from the Chapel along ‘The Causeway’, running up and down the sloping concrete side of the pathway. When allowed!

Grace often mentioned to me that she worked for a short while at Freeman, Hardy & Willis shoe shop in Staines. So I always had well fitting shoes.

Grace was a member of Staines Operatic Society. I have a couple of photographs of her and the group which I will include sometime in the future.

I remember, on what seems numerous occasions her mentioning Ted,  (Dexter I presume).

She was a great mother and apart from bringing me up, in later life looked after her Mother-in-Law Georgina (lived to 103) for many years, husband George when he became frail and her Father Ernest Walter Dexter. I also recall Uncle Dave Whitestone living with her and George at some time.

Thanks Mum x