Grace was born February 10, 1914 in Calvary, Georgia. She and her brother were reared by their parents Abraham Monroe Gainey and Gussie Viola Maxwell. She graduated from Cairo High School and attended the University of Georgia, where she studied piano. Ernest was born on August 7, 1906 in Calvary, Georgia. His parents were James Marvin Herring and Mattie Higdon Herring. When he was a year old his mother died. His father later married Ida West Waller from Birmingham, Alabama. Ernest graaduated from Cairo High School and Emory University.

Ernest and Grace married in 1935 and together they reared three children - John Patrick and twin daughters, Mary and Martha - on the family farm in Calvary. They were parents committed to fostering the love of music in our home, committed to the importance of education for their children, and dedicated their lives to helping others. The family was very active within the First United Methodist Church of Cairo, Georgia.

Grace was active within her community through her church circle, playing the piano each Sunday for the Fellowship Class, her garden circle, the hospital auxillary guild, and the many activities of the children. Ernest was active within the community through the church serving as a lay leader, Sunday School teacher, and a member of the Board of Trustees. In addition to his church work he served on the Grady County School Board for twenty years and was a member of the Rotary Club.

In presenting the endowment to the Board of Directors, Ron and Martha, expressed: