[f?}{)t/6ear e10 Derrick Holden Edgar Stubblefield Abdul Muhammad Leander Barker Donald Grier, Jr. Darryl Lambert Larry Stubblefield A Celebration of Life for our Beloved 1Ytr. Wt{IP~tJne-f?t1; c;Jrit-r June 15, 1929 - August 13, 2011 The family of Melvin Grier gratefully acknowledges the many prayers, visits, calls, cards, and acts of kindness performed during the illness and demise of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother relative and friend. May God's blessings continue to shine on ou and yours. @ dc.wi= fry ~ofc.~j_ional~ ~s 'a!Irnrnlfiii's Jlfumral ~' ~m.. 1315 Gus Thornhill Jr. Drive East Point, Georgia 30344 404-768-2993-4 Fax 404-763-2154 Saturday, August 20, 2011 11:00 A.M. c({jy-e-r 7e-C/?? cA.?Yt.rc. ci?reP 580 Fair Street, Southwest Atlanta, Georgia 30314 The Reverend Augusta H. Hall, Jr., Pastor The Reverend Harry L. Cleveland, Jr. Eulogist William Melvin Grier, the fifth of eleven children, was born June 15, 1929 to the late Samuel and Minnie Grier in Atlanta, Georgia. He departed this life on August 13, 2011 at his home. He was a graduate of Washington High School in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. At an early age, Melvin joined Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church. Melvin joined the United States Army where he served his country faithfully for over 23 years. He was awarded the Army Occupation Medal, Japan-Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, one Overseas Bar, ROK Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star Medal and became a Vietnam and Korean War Veteran. During Melvin's civilian career he was a supervisor for the United States Postal Service for 20 years where he retired. Melvin loved his family and traveled often to visit them. Melvin is preceded in death by: one brother, Samuel Grier, Sr.; sisters, Henrietta Rich and Alma Stubblefield; and a special cousin, Judge Benjamin Travis, Sr. He leaves to cherish fond memory: his beloved wife, Brenda Grier; his children, Melvin Grier (Sharon), Gerald Grier (Angela), William Grier Oobeth), Marquita Pledger, Shanterri Brown (Deric), and Fredrick Hall (Tracey); sisters, Willie (Sister), Roxie (Levert), Rosalyn (Robert), Barbara and Shirley (Carl); brothers, Norman (Emma), Donald (Zelia), and Aleem Muhammad (Cynthia); seventeen grandchildren, seven greatgrandchildren; special cousin, Mattie B. Smith-Colin; sisters-inlaw, Janie Smith and Michelle Smith; brothers-in-law, Gregory Smith, Gabriel Smith (Sheila), Grady L. Smith (Tammy) and Michael Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 11There's A Reason" For every pain that we must bear, For every burden, every care, There's A Reason For every grief that loves the head, For every tear drop that is shed, There's A Reason For every hurt for every plight, For every pain-racked night. There's A Reason But, if we trust God as we should, It all will work out for our good, We know that for those who love God all things work together for good ... Prelude Processional Hymn of Celebration "Blessed Assurance" Scripture Reading Old Testament New Testament Pastor Douglas Griffin The Gospel ofJesus Christ International Prayer Solo Pastor Dorothy Sims Love Circle Pastor Douglas Griffin "Stand'' Reflections: (Three Minute, Please) Melvin Grier Gerald Grier Terry Grier Obituary (Read Silently) Soft Music Eulogy Reverend Harry L. Cleveland, Jr. Acknowledgements Recessional Postlude "When We All Get To Hea ven" $ttefoiJU''n/ College Park Memorial Park 3600 North Adams Street College Park, Georgia 30337 ~ale ______________________________ Treasure Up In Heaven You tell me I am getting old, but that's not really so. The house I live in may be worn, and that of course I know. It's been in use for quite a while, weathered by wind and hail. I'm therefore not surprised to find it's getting somewhat frail! You tell me I am getting old, you mix the house with me. You're looking at the outside, that's all that you can see. The dweller in this shaky house is young and bright and free; Just starting on a life that lasts for all eternity. The colour's changing on the roof, the window's looking dim, The wall's a bit transparent and is getting rather thin. The foundation's not as steady, as once it used to be; But that is all that you observe, and really that' s not me! I patch the old house up a bit, to make it last the night, But soon I shall be leaving for my home of endless light: I'm going to live forever there, for life goes on-it's grand! How can you say I'm getting old? You do not understand! These few short years can't make me old. I feel I'm in my youth: Eternal life is mine right now, and thats the solid truth! I will not fret to see this house grow shabby day by day, But look ahead to my New Home which never will decay. I want to be found worthy for my Father's house above; Cleansed in the precious Blood of Christ and growing still in love. The beauty of that glorious home no words can ever say. 'Tis hidden from these mortal eyes, but kept for me some day. My house is getting ready in a place beyond the sky. Its Architect and Builder is my Saviour now on high : But He's told me that He's leaving all the furnishing to me, So it's 'treasure up in heaven ' that I'm storing-don't you see? Express condolences at ajc.com/obits GRIER, William Celebration of life for Mr. William Melvin Grier of 4060 Somerled Trl. East Point, Ga. 30349 will be held Saturday, August 20, 2011 at 11 :00 a.m. from Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church 580 W. Fair St. Atlanta, Ga. with Rev. Harry Cleveland officiating. Remains will lie in state from 9:00 a.m. til the bour of service. Interment College Park Memorial Gardens. Visitation services will be held TONIGHT from 5:30 p.m. til 6:30 p.m. from the Chapel of Gus Thornhill's Funeral Home 1315 Gus Thornhill Jr. Dr. East Point, Ga. He . leaves to cherish, wife Brenda Grier, children Melvin Grier (Sharon), Colo Springs, Gerald Grier (Angela), St. Louis, William Terry (Jobeth), Colo Springs, Marquitta Pledger, Fredrick Hall (Tracey), Shanterri Brown (Derie), siblings: Willie Barker, Roxie Levert, Rosalyn (Robert) Holden, Barbara Klein, Shirley Shivers (Carl), Norman Grier (Emma), Donald Grier (Zelia) 17 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and a host of family nd friends. The cortege will asseme at the residence at 10:00 a.m. S THORNHILL'S FUNERAL HOME 404-768-2993-4 ~~~ w~ fl!~~?AUA June 15, 1929- May 13, 2011 Y'_dn /~-27 '~ 9' ~.-e /Utt!~--, 41Zf'~ 9' ruA? fiuaQ ~Ad"."'.-de ~~;jUtu9'~ ~ ol'!d.A-d~~~ ~~~NM'"k ~, 4~m~~~ ~AJUAIA _ku/ ~A