Grace Dampier Walker, 94, of Melbourne, died peacefully on May 4, 2014.

A resident of Brevard since 1955, Grace was an active person. In 1957, she began working at First Federal of Brevard. Over her career, she headed New Accounts in Melbourne, managed the Palm Bay and the West Melbourne branches, and was a loan officer in Melbourne. She retired in 1981.

Grace and her family lived in Melbourne Village from the mid-50s until 1979. Elected Mayor of Melbourne Village from 1975-1978, she was the first woman mayor in Brevard since the 40's.

After moving to Melbourne, Grace served as Chairperson of the Citizens Advisory Committee (early 80s) and was elected to Melbourne City Council District 4 from 1987-2006. Fellow council members elected her Vice-Mayor for four of those years. Grace was also a member of the Brevard Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Melbourne Airport Authority, and the Florida League of Cities. http://on.flatoday.com/1qflSaa
From the mid-50s, Grace was an active member of First United Methodist Church. She served on the administrative board, finance committee, stewardship, and staff parish. She also served as parish visitor.

Grace supported nonprofits including the American Cancer Society, Easter Seals, fire and police groups, and humane societies. An animal lover, she provided lifetime homes for her pets. Her last pets were Hurricane Andrew rescues, Odie and Twiggy.
In her final years, Grace was impaired by dementia and lack of mobility, but she received loving care from everyone at her assisted living home.

Grace was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She is missed by daughter, Gail Harland; son-in-law, Kenneth; granddaughter, Laura; brother, Kenneth Dampier (Theresa); grandsons, John McWilliams and Ian Walker; and other family members. She is predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Alvan; son, Grayson; sister, Lena; brothers, Glen, Bishop, Getzen, Ralph, Jackie; half-brothers, Chester and Steve, and half-sister, Blanche.

Donations can be made to any no-kill shelter or Alzheimer's organization. Family will greet friends from 12p.m. to 1p.m. at Davis Seawinds Funeral Home in Melbourne on Monday, May 19th with a Celebration of Grace's Life to follow at 1p.m.

Condolences may be shared at www.davisseawinds.com