Gracie Laura Harkins Eakes, age 81, of Shreveport, LA, passed away on Tuesday, January, 25, 2022, at Live Oak Health Center from natural causes. Gracie was born in Natchitoches, LA where she spent her childhood growing up with her mother, Mary Lou, and three sisters. She graduated from St. Mary's Catholic school. After moving to Shreveport, she attended college and went on to teach for a bit at St. Pius X Elementary school. Eventually, Gracie found her knack as a mutuel clerk at Louisiana Downs Horse Racing Facility where she worked for over 35 years. Gracie ("Mammy") loved gardening/planting flowers, cooking for family and friends, solving crossword puzzles, reading, watching musicals, and listening to music. She especially enjoyed watching and listening to her kids and grandkids perform. Mammy often shared stories of her time living in Germany during the 1960's. She frequently tried to teach her family the colorful language she learned during that time. One of Mammy's talents was whistling like a songbird, and she enjoyed waking her girls in the morning with her tunes.

Gracie was preceded in death by her husband, Raphael (Ray) Eakes, mother Mary Lou Lindsey Prothro, and step-father John H. Prothro. She is survived by her daughters, Tamara Wooten & Jennifer Parker, of Shreveport, LA, and Mary Covet of Ontario, Canada; sisters Marie, Madge, and Deirdre; 7 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

The family would like to thank the staff of Live Oak Health Center and WK Hospice of LA for their care and service. A family memorial will be held at a later date for remembrance and celebration of Gracie Laura's life.

To quote one of Mammy's favorite songs:

"Goin' up to the spirit in the sky….

That's where I'm gonna go when I die.

When I die and they lay me to rest

I'm gonna go to the place that's the best"