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Dr. Ethel Lee Grandy


Sunrise: June 16, 1922

Sunset: March 3, 2023

Dr. Ethel Mother Grandy’s Legacy

Dr. Ethel “Mother” Grandy, affectionately known to all who knew her, transitioned on Friday, March 3, 2023, at her residence. She was the daughter of Waverly and Lillian Simmons. She was preceded in death by her husband; George Grandy, Sr., sister; Mable Simmons Whitaker; brothers; Walter Simmons and Moses Simmons, and daughter; Ethel Ann Grandy.

Mother Grandy was a native of Chesapeake, Virginia. She worked as an activist in the Chesapeake community for many decades. She recruited and trained neighborhood residents to vote at a time when it was unpopular for women to lead such activities. She joined the Oak Grove Civic League in her early twenties, and eventually became president. One of her outstanding accomplishments was to encourage other civic leagues to form a joint committee for the purpose of recruiting residents to become members.

After retiring from the Chesapeake Public School System, Mother Grandy continued her community activism. Her many activities and service in the community led to her achievement of many “firsts. She was one of the first African American women to be appointed as a local election judge in Chesapeake. Mother Grandy was the first woman to hold the position of president of the local Sunday school union, consisting of eight churches. Under her leadership the union sponsored two successful anti-drug rallies. Judge Reginald Walton, the “drugczar” appointed by President George W. Bush, was the featured guest speaker.

In 1991, inspired by the work she was doing in the church with youth, Mother Grandy created Families United Against Drugs (FUAD). FUAD partnered with the City of Chesapeake to educate youth about the dangers of illegal drugs. She spoke to youth, community, and church groups throughout Chesapeake. Mother Grandy spread her anti-drug message in the Chesapeake City Jail and the juvenile detention center.

Mother Grandy received both local and national recognition for her work with youth in Chesapeake City and Hampton Roads communities. In 2007, she received the U. S. Federal Bureau of Investigations Director’s Community Leadership Award for her “demonstrated” strong commitment and participation in the furtherance of encouraging youth to be productive citizens.

For her many years of community activism and service, Mother Grandy was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree, by Old Dominion University, during the One Hundred Eighteenth Commencement Exercises on May 10, 2008. To culminate Dr. Grandy’s many years of service to the City of Chesapeake and Hampton Roads community, March 1, 2021, she was recognized by the Virginia State House of Delegates, and the Senate concurring, that the General Assembly commended Dr. Grandy as a cherished community leader whose timeless efforts to support young people in Chesapeake and Hampton Roads madea difference in their lives.

Dr. Mother Grandy’s commitment and dedication to service ofothers comes from her love for the church. Continuing her family tradition, she joined the Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. She served as deaconess, trustee, Sunday school teacher, and member of the missionary board. As an usher, Mother Grandy greeted everyone with a beautiful heartfelt smile. She was the oldest deaconess and member of the church. Dr. Grandy was a renowned speaker throughout Hampton Roads. She used her message to encourage people of all ages to use what they learned in church to empower their lives.

Everlasting memories of Dr. Ethel Mother Grandy will forever be remembered by: her five children; Eva Grandy Howell (James) of Norlina, North Carolina; Brenda Grandy Hasbrouck (Merritt) of Chicago, Illinois; Lillian Grandy Grimes of Boston, Massachusetts; George Grandy, Jr. (Rita) of Douglasville, Georgia; Lisa Grandy Miller of Chesapeake, Virginia; eightgrandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, a special dog; JR, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, church family, and friends. Including her God given children; Elder Maurice and Earlene Hilliard, Delegate Cliff Hayes, Jr. Member Virginia General Assembly, and her life-long prayer partner, Mrs. Lilly Coker.

Mother Grandy’s 3W’s for Knowing Who You are in Christ

Know Who you are,

Whose you are,

and Where you are

 

Mother Grandy’s 4F’s for Sustaining Peace in Our Lives

Stay Focused

With your mind Fixed

Have the Faith

And you will always be Fruitful

Viewing Monday, March 13, 2023 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 West Berkley Avenue Norfolk, Virginia Celebration of Life Tuesday, March 14, 2023 11:00 AM Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church 141 Kempsville Road Chesapeake, Virginia Laid to Rest Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, Virginia

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Condolences(20)

  1. reply
    Christine Wyatt says

    May you find peace and comfort in knowing that your mom touched so many lives. She was a true light in the world.

  2. reply
    Dr. Darryl A. Lee says

    Mother Grandy made such a powerful impact on my life in Birmingham, Alabama Her words of wisdom, her actions to love ❤️ shall forever have a place in my heart. I thank God for her son Mr. George Grandy from Atlanta whose carrying on her torch of love and caring. May God continue to keep you all strong in such a time as this. “She cannot come back to us, but thanks be to God one day we can go to where she is.” John 14 🙏

    Dr. & Mrs. Darryl A. Lee

    • reply
      Arthur F Jack says

      Saluting the life of an elder that ruled well, her heart and life set toward God, his Word and his divine purpose and the blessings of the people of God everywhere. We give you double honor Mother but God has your crown and rewards. Bishop Jack & Holy Tab. Boston family.
      Love you always.

  3. reply
    Dr. Darryl A. Lee says

    Mother Grandy made such a powerful impact on my life in Birmingham, Alabama Her words of wisdom, her actions to love ❤️ shall forever have a place in my heart. I thank God for her son Mr. George Grandy from Atlanta whose carrying on her torch of love and caring. May God continue to keep you all strong in such a time as this. “She cannot come back to us, but thanks be to God one day we can go to where she is.” John 14 🙏

  4. reply
    Adorn Horton Ahmad says

    I can still hear Mother Grandy asking, Do you know Whose you are”?
    Her work for the Kingdom will always be remembered ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

  5. reply
    Wayne Hatcher says

    May God‘s everlasting love and grace being comfort to Mother Grandys family at this time of pain and loss.

  6. reply
    Diana H Cannon says

    What a blessing to be graced with such a beautiful lite. It is evident that she was granted God’s favor. The smile says it all! My sincere condolences to the Grandy family at this fime of great loss.

  7. reply
    Eddie Hines says

    A Mothers love will never go away, Because she walks beside us every day…unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.

    Sending prayer to you and your family

  8. reply
    Gloria Strode says

    Mr. George Grandy & Family,

    You are in our thoughts and prayers as you Celebrate the Life of your beautiful Mother. Thank GOD for blessing you with a
    mother of grace and dignity. Mrs. Grandy successfully completed her race. Well Done Beautiful Mother….REST.

    Peace until you all see her again!

    Gloria Strode & Family
    Columbus, GA

  9. reply
    Lamont Simmons says

    “My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends, colleagues and neighbors on the passing of the beloved ‘Lee”. She is sorely missed. She was always encouraging and helpful.”

  10. reply
    Viola L Lewis Willis says

    Mr George Grandy and Family,

    Our thoughts and prayers are with the Grandy family as you celebrate Mother Grandy’s life and legacy. May God grant the Family peace as only He can.

    Viola Lewis Willis & Family

  11. reply
    Simone Walls says

    To The Family I’d Like To Extend My Deepest Condolences To You All. I Am A Co-Worker Of Your Family Member Shairon Gregory, Who Is A Living Testimony To The Wisdom He Learned From This Dear Soul.

    Mother Grandy’s 3W’s for Knowing Who You are in Christ

    Know Who you are,
    Whose you are,
    and Where you are

    I Too, Now Know The Three W’s. Thank You For This Nugget, That I Will Let Ring For All To Hear! And Again So Sorry For Your Loss.

  12. reply
    CAROLYN L DAVIS says

    To Missionary Grimes &Family I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers I thank God for Mother Grandy’s Light that shined in every person she touched in this world. 🙏

  13. reply
    Cecile A. Simons Cuffee, a relative says

    To the Grandy Family: A life well lived! A life shared! A life well remembered! May God comfort you during this difficult time and may sweet memories of your mother always dwell in your heart. I will always remember her comforting words of wisdom.

  14. reply
    Pastor,Rosa Person says

    The smile on mother Grandy face always and the Love mother Grandy share always remain in our hearts. Praying for you family’s from faith tabernacle cogic Douglasville, ga Condolence

  15. reply
    Reginald Clemons says

    A very special woman in our Oak Grove community thank you for representing

  16. reply
    Mary J. Abbyss says

    My prayers are with the family of Mrs . Grandy . She was special in so many ways . May you cherish her memory .

  17. reply
    Carlene Coker Ileto says

    My prayers go out to the family of Mrs. Grandy. Mrs. Grandy was certainly one of God’s disciples and shared the word with anyone who would listen and then some of those who didn’t want to listen. She was certainly my mother’s (Lillie Coker) “prayer partner” and spoke daily; even in their later years. It was such an honor to bring my mom from Maryland to Norfolk to attend Mrs. Grandy’s 100th birthday party and my mom was so excited to see her confidant, prayer partner, and friend. That memory of happiness will be our lasting memory of Mrs. Grandy, enjoying family and friends while loving the Lord. My heart goes out to the Grandy family and we are so sorry for your loss.

  18. reply
    Rochelle Alexander says

    My Sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Ethel Lee Grandy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  19. reply
    Deacon Emeritus Carolyn Hayes and family. says

    Dr. Ethel Lee Grandy one of our Heavenly Father’s Servants, endowed with special gifts and talents. We are eternally grateful for the impact she made on The Hayes Family of SONO, as she traveled her life’s journey. To God be all the praise and glory. Thanks to family for sharing her with us. AMEN

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