Jane Tobias Gradford

JANE TOBIAS GRADFORD was born in Cleveland, Ohio on February 13, 1945 to Mable (Ford) Smith (deceased) and Clyde Smith (deceased). She was the third of Mable's children. Jane was the second and only girl of her father Clyde. Jane attended the Cleveland Public School System, ultimately graduating from John Hay High school, where she cultivated life long friendships which have remained intact to this date. Soon after graduating high school, Jane became employed at Ohio Bell. A devoted family woman, Jane had two children. Adriane was born in 1960 to Bobby Dean Pettus (deceased). Soon after Jane wed Leroy Tobias; their union produced Leroy Jr. in 1962. Always one to value education, Jane went to "Tri-C" and earned her associates degree in Applied Business and Accounting, at night while raising her family. After 25 years of service Jane retired from Ohio Bell in 1983. That same year, Jane married her best friend Lawrence Gradford and lived in bliss until his death in 1995. After attending East View United Church of Christ, Jane officially joined on April 2, 1989. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior and became an avid worker in the church. Jane was a member of the Usher Board, Hospitality Board, Woman's Guild and most recently, the Church Secretary. Jane was known to always be on the "Go". She was a member of the Red Hatters Club, and volunteered at South Pointe Hospital, she was an avid sports fan who loved baseball, football and played softball. Jane loved food, fishing, music and most of all her family. Jane had a servant's heart and she touched the lives of many people young and old alike. To know her was to love her and all that knew her held her in high esteem. "Janie" will live in our memories as the beloved sister of Joseph A. Smith, Robert Allen (deceased), Catherine (Ford) Green; sister-in-law to Rev. Cecil Green; devoted mother of, Adriane and Leroy Tobias; grandmother of Lauren Butts, Albani Tobias, Alexandra Tobias, Leshay Tobias; great grandmother and guardian to Alexia Tobias; great grandmother to Arieon Knox, Alleeah Rondo, Alesha Tobias and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. SERVICES BEGIN AT 9:00 AM ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, at Eastview United Church of Christ, 15615 Chagrin Blvd. Public viewing Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Watson's Funeral Home, 10913 Superior Avenue. Interment in Evergreen Memorial Park.