Mary Grimes

COMMERCE – Mary Everlena Grimes, 91, died Monday, June 1, 2009, at BJC Nursing Facility.

Born on May 3, 1918, in Tignall, she was the daughter of the late Sam and Starkie Raiford. She attended Elberton public schools, and at an early age, joined Shady Grove Baptist Church in Tignall, where she served on the mother board until her illness. She was employed with Piedmont Restaurant for over 10 years. Mrs. Grimes was preceded in death by her husband, John “Man” Wesley Grimes; sisters, Syliva White, Lina Almond, Darlena (Maddie) Benjamin, Naomi Smith; brothers, Aker (AP) Raiford and Edward Raiford; sons, Larry Grimes and Herbert Grimes; grandsons, Larry Jr. Grimes and Hurbert Jr. Grimes, Scotty and Bart Perrin; and many nieces and nephews.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, the Rev. Samuel Grimes and Mary Sue Grimes, Cornell Grimes, all of Commerce, Vernon Bailey and Floresa Grimes, Athens; daughters and sons-in-law, Starkie Ann Providence, Philadelphia, Pa., Frances Ward, Ruby and Bobby Pittman, Dianne Grimes, all of Commerce, and Matilda and James Perrin, Elberton; special daughter-in-law, Grace Grimes, Kingston; sister and brother-in-law, Minnie and Richard Booker, Chicago, Ill.; 21 grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 4, at 2 p.m., at Mt. Pleasant CME Church with the Rev. Tommy Tillman officiating. Burial will be in Commerce Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, June 3, from 7 to 8 p.m.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.