Grace Levinia Alarcon

December 29, 1939 - January 30, 2018


Grace Levinia Alarcón, age 78, daughter of H. Cecil and Mary Elizabeth Buch McConnell, who was born, December 29, 1939 in Santiago, Chile passed away January 30, 2018 at the Brookdale Atrium Way Center for Caring in Jacksonville, Florida.

She worked in the mortgage industry most of her career, and had a broad range of personal interests. She loved music – instrumental, vocals, hymns, folk, gospel, classical. She played piano much of her life, and dabbled some with the harpsichord, ukulele and accordion as an adult. She was a talented artist when she indulged herself. She loved watercolor, sketching, and her color pencils. She had a sharp, intelligent sense of humor and loved a good pun. She laughed every chance she got, and could find humor in any situation, no matter how trying. Above all, she loved her Lord and loved pouring his love out to anyone and everyone she met. She was part of the Singles ministry and taught Sunday School for many years at First Baptist Church of Downtown Jacksonville. She also helped start a Spanish ministry at FBC. She volunteered in the church nursery and served in other ways whenever she was able. She eventually joined Iglesia Bautista Hispana with her husband Ricardo and served there as long as she was able. She raised love and generosity to a true art form. She could not have had a more fitting name – Grace. She was grace personified. Everyone who was fortunate enough to meet her met genuine acceptance. She had deep, strong, unshakeable faith that proved itself over and over throughout her life and beyond. She relied on God daily, and he never failed her or her family. 

Grace was preceded in death by: Harry Cecil McConnell and Mary Elizabeth Buch McConnell (Mother and Father), Bill Finch (nephew) and Lily Annabelle.

She is survived by: Husband Ricardo Alarcón; Daughter Natalie Penn Blanton (Jacob); Daughter Laurie Penn Clearman (Dave); Sister Martha McConnell Jelsma (Denny); Sister Anna McConnell Hollander (Harold); Sister Elizabeth “Betsy” McConnell Finch; Grandchildren Haley Shelar, Stephen Thomas, James “JP” Thomas, Hannah Blanton, and Samantha “Sammie” Blanton; Great Grandson Jackson Ortiz; Niece Georgette Bowman Gercken (Joe); Nephew Erik Hollander; Niece Lisa Finch Gopp (Perry); Niece Sibylle  Hollander Lewis (Robert); and several great nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved and prayed for.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will begin at 11AM, Thursday, February 8, 2018 at First Baptist Church in the Hobson auditorium (corner of Church St. and Hogan St.) 119 West Beaver Street Jacksonville, Florida 32202.

The Family requests friends and loved ones coming to the memorial wear color to honor Grace and her joyful spirit.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211 (904) 724-6384.

Schedule of Services

Memorial Service

First Baptist Church

  • Email Details
  • 119 West Beaver Street
    Jacksonville, Florida 32202
  • Service will be in the Hobson Auditorium located on the corner of Church St. and Hogan St.

Grace's Guestbook


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