We Cried Our Last Tear Yesterday, A Celebration of Life for Virginia Grimes and Luther Grimes, Virginia: Alpha February 8, 1942, Omega July 29, 2016, Luther: Alpha July 10, 1939, Omega August 1, 2016, Saturday, August 6, 2016, 11:00 A.M., Ben Hill United Methodist Church, 2099 Fairburn Road, Southwest, Atlanta, Georgia 30331, Reverend Doctor Byron E. Thomas, Sr., Pastor, Reverend Belinda McCastle, Officiating, "In my Father's House are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you: For I go to prepare a place for you." - John 14:2

We Cried Our Last Tear Yesterday
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE
FOR
~~v~ and
~v~

~~
Alpha February 8,1942
Omega July 29, 2016

~
Alpha July 10, 1939
Omega August 1, 2016

Saturday, August 6, 2016 11:00 A.M.
BEN HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
2099 Fairburn Road, Southwest I Atlanta, Georgia 30331
Reverend Doctor Byron E. Thomas, Sr., Pastor Reverend Belinda McCastle, Officiating
uin my Father's House are many mansions: If it were not so, I would have told you: For I go to prepare a place for you." -John 14:2

REMEMBERING HER BEAUTIFUL LIFE

~'

A Time To Be Born: Virginia was born in Adel, Georgia on February 8,1942, to Jay and Minnie McCormick who preceded her in death.
As a child, she matriculated through the Cook County Public Schools System.
She enjoyed spending time with her family and loved being a mother and grandmother. She loved playing basketball and was a star forward on her high school team. She was also an avid sports fan. She loved to cook and feed the masses. She was known for her southern cuisine, especially potato salad, neckbones, cornbread dressing and collard greens.
A Time To Love: Virginia was joined in holy matrimony to Luther Grimes on May 10,1962. To this union, three children were born (Randy, Deborah and Neil).
She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren and was affectionately called "Mrs. G" and "Red" by her family and friends.
A Time To Plant: Virginia accepted Christ into her life at an early age. She joined Mount Mariah Freewill Baptist Church in Adel, Georgia.
She was employed by Southwest Hospital and Medical Center (formally Holy Family) for over 30 years, where she served in many nursing roles.

A Time To Die: Virginia was called home to receive her crown on Friday, July 29, 2016. She peacefully passed away at home, in her daughter Deborah's arms. Her beautiful spirit was received by her son Randy in heaven.
A Time To Mourn: Virginia's loving husband of 54 years, Luther Grimes; joined her in eternal life three days after she transitioned. Our Heavenly Father allowed them to depart this life together.
She leaves to cherish her memory: two beautiful children, Deborah Grimes Whitaker and Neil Elliott Grimes (Tenesha); daughter-in-law, Weselyn Grimes; sister, Frances Cheatum; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Grimes and Edward Grimes; sisters-in-law, Vivian Williams (Roy) and Anne Grimes; eight grandchildren, Teneille Grimes, Maya Grimes, Jessica Grimes, Jade Grimes, Nicholas Grimes, Ivory Grimes, Silas Whitaker and Summer Grimes; a niece, Jacquelyn Snead (Edgar Sr.); a bonus daughter, Sheri Bolden (Rod); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends.
She has joined her loving son, Dr. Randall Young Grimes, in heaven.
Virginia was also preceded in death by her parents, Jay and Minnie McCormick; father and motherin-law; Luther and Amelia Grimes; brother, Robert McCormick; sisters, Susan McCormick, Delzena Baker, Willie Anne McCormick and Maggie Gear; sister-in-law, Constance Grimes; brothers-in-law, Izell Cheatum, Hemy Baker Sr., Edward Gear and Steve Grimes.

REMEMBERING HIS BEAUTIFUL LIFE

A Time To Be Born: Luther was born in Monroe, Georgia on July 10, 1939, to Luther and Amelia Grimes who preceded him in death.
As a child, he matriculated through the Walton County Public Schools System.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and was an avid lover of all types of music. He was a committed runner. On the 4th of July, he could be found running the Peachtree Road Race. Luther started this tradition in 1984, when he ran his first race. Since then, he only missed two races, in 2000 as a result of having Cardiac Bypass surgery and this year. He was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

A Time To Love: Luther was joined in holy matrimony to Virginia Grimes on May 10, 1962. To this union, three children were born (Randy, Deborah and Neil).
He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren and he was affectionately called "Lou" by all who knew him.

A Time To Plant: Luther accepted Christ into his life at an early age. He joined Tabernacle Baptist Church in Monroe, Georgia.
He attended Fort Valley State College where he graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public School Music.
He also attended Vander Cook College of Music where he graduated in 1966 with a Master's Degree in Music Education.
After completing college, Luther was employed by the Cook County Training School as a band director for two years. In 1963, he and Virginia relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where he was employed by Fulton County Schools System as a band director for 32 years.

A Time To Die: After a brief illness, Luther received his crown on August 1, 2016 at Northside Hospital.

A Time To Mourn: After being married for 54 years to Virginia, who transitioned three days before him, God allowed them to leave this life together. With a loving bond this strong, they entered heaven as one.

He leaves to cherish his memory: two beautiful children, Deborah Grimes Whitaker and Neil Elliott Grimes (Tenesha); daughter-in-law, Weselyn Grimes; sisters, Vivian Williams (Roy) and Anne Grimes; brothers, Kenneth Grimes and Edward Grimes; sister-in-law, Frances Cheatum; eight grandchildren, Teneille Grimes, Maya Grimes, Jessica Grimes, Jade Grimes, Nicholas Grimes, Ivory Grimes, Silas Whitaker and Summer Grimes; three cousins, Alfred Tucker, James Doggette Jr. (Martha), David Grimes (Deborah); a bonus daughter Sheri Bolden (Rod); and a host of nieces, nephews and sorrowing
friends.

He has joined his loving son in heaven, Dr. Randall Young Grimes.

Luther also was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Amelia Grimes; father and mother-

in-law, Jay and Minnie McCormick; sister, Constance Grimes; brother, Steve Grimes; sisters-in-law,

Susan McCormick, Delzena Baker, Willie Anne McCormick and Maggie Gear; brothers-in-law, Robert

McCormick, Izell Cheatum, Henry Baker Sr. and Edward Gear.

~

~

No REGRETS ...
God certain!y had no regrets... Bringing Luther and Virginia into this world.... And Luther and Virginia had no regrets... being the proud parents of... Two handsome boys and a beautiful girl!
And the kids were taught to have no regrets... They were often told consequences always came with a choice... Words about decision making and wisdom from their parents... To avoid any regrets... ! This was always their parents' voice!!!
Regrets means to me... maybe you shouldn't have said it, shouldn't have done it, Shouldn't have thought it, you shouldn't have been there ... But Your Parents... sacrificed everything for you... Mr. Regret: You have no place being here!!!!
Even I, had no regrets about Virginia calling me Late at night as we talked about NBA games over the phone I had no regrets... about taking Luther to his "favorite place" which was the "bank" for some strange reason.. . And laughing at his funny corny jokes... all the way home...
So please, please hear me my dear friends and family if you are here today... Cast all your Regrets aside, clear your mind! You are here through his divine grace... and someone's Love So go and repair your regrets NOW... while you still have time!
If Luther had one regret... it was not clearly known Because they shared 54 years of a wonderful life I think He regretted that SHE was suffering... in so much pain alone... So he asked God... for his mercy... so that he could be with his adoring wife.
And Neil and Deborah and the family too Virginia and Luther had no regrets about any of you! You showed up family ... every single time and went out of your way! Sometimes... just to say I love you... and they knew it. .. until their very last day...
So now your Mother and Father have gone to be with Randy And I pray that none of you have no regrets... You have given so much of your Love and time... family ... and because of that... God has them now... and they will receive... Heaven's best. ..
You should have NO Regrets... ~Roderick Bolden

MUSICAL MEDITATION
PROCESSIONAL
HYMN .......................................................................................................................... "Marching to Zion"
OLD TESTAMENT ........................................................................................................ Proverbs 31:10-31
NEW TESTAMENT ......................................................................................................... Philippians 2:1-5
PRAYER................................................................................................................Reverend Kelly Grimes
CELEBRATION IN SONG.................................Ben Hill United Methodist Church Music Ministry
REFLECTIONS: (Limited to Three Minutes) As a Neighbor, Raynard Oliver As a Friend, Carolyn Johnson (Virginia) and Reverend Brokenborough (Luther and Virginia)
POEM............................................................................................................................... Roderick Bolden
LETTER OF RECOGNITION .............................................................. Mayor's Office, City of Atlanta
CELEBRATION IN SONG................................................................................Reverend Willie O'Neal
EULOGY........................-.............................................................................. Reverend M. Lavell Sanders
RECESSIONAL
ENTOMBMENT
Lincoln Memorial Cemetery 2275 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard, Northwest
Atlanta, Georgia
REPAST
Immediately following Entombment Ben Hill United Methodist Church
2099 Fairburn Road, Southwest Atlanta, Georgia 30331
Reverend Doctor Byron E. Thomas, Sr., Pastor

OPEN LETTER FROM YouR CHILDREN
It is with the heaviest of hearts that I write on behalf of my siblings.
Please don't be sad for us. Neil and I both recognize that this is a gift from God. Can you imagine having a soulmate in this life and being blessed with the opportunity to continue that relationship into eternity? Only a rare few get this opportunity and it must be seen as nothing more than God's work in motion. He makes no mistakes!
Mom and Dad, you actually left us prepared to continue the strong bond of family you have instilled in us all. Dad, you were the ultimate provider and mom, you were the most nurturing, loving and caring women that we know. Having parents that always gave unconditional love, support, and sacrifice gives us all we need to go forward. you both embodied these characteristics which gave you great purpose and passion for being committed parents and loving grandparents to all of us.
As everyone was aware, mom, you had a long illness. You were always gracious and caring for you were never a burden for us. I held on to you as you slept on last Friday morning. I told you it was OK to go if you were tired. I promised you I would hold you on this side and if you were ready to go, all you had to do was hold out your hand in your sleep. From there, Randy would take you to the other side. After sleeping for about 3 hours, I woke to find you, my loving mother, gone to be with God.
Dad, you were in the hospital when mom made her transition. God released you approximately 72 hours later at Northside Hospital, where you'd been recently admitted during a brief illness. I know in my heart that you could not conceive a life without mom; So God took you both.
We miss Randy so much but find comfort in knowing you are all together now. Remember: "God didn't promise days without pain; laughter without sorrow; nor sun without rain. But he did promise strength for the day; Comfort for the tears and Light for the way." I want everyone to please make this their prayer for us!
Neil and I will miss you both dearly but Randy will rejoice with you every single day.
Signed with Unmeasurable Love, Debbie & Neil From Eternity with You, Mom and Dad, Randy

TRIBUTE To OuR GRANDPARENTS
As I sit here and smile at all the sweet memories we have, from how good the house smelled on Wednesdays for our weekly spaghetti with blueberry muffins, or our Sunday dates it was always either, Chinese, grocery shopping, or to you guy's favorite, "Piccadilly" (Granddaddy and I would always split the chocolate cake, it was our favorite) ...
Granddaddy's yawn, that I could hear from a mile away, or to the daily phone calls, and many voicemails I would get from you guys... just calling cause you just "missed your teebug" I realize that the love you guys showed me was incomparable to anything I have ever experienced. It was perfect and unconditional. Grandma, your voice could brighten any of my sad days and your smile always lit up the darkest room. You left a print on everyone's heart that you came into contact with, I can only pray I can be half the woman you were. Granddaddy, my teacher, I thank you so much for always staying on me reminding me that the one thing no one can take away from you is your education and to always pray and keep God first. Although you guys are no longer here with me physically, I know you'll be forever in my heart and spirit. Even though sometimes it seemed as if I was not listening, I will never forget all of the life lessons and knowledge that you guys instilled in me, I thank God for making the most perfect grandparents for me. I hope I made you proud, I love you
-Tee Bug
Granny, I remember you teaching me how to cook. I marveled at how you, through years of experience, didn't need measuring cups to know the right amounts to add. Just as how you, through years of experience, never hesitated to ceaselessly and carefully love me and everyone around you. I would not be who I am today without your example and care, and I will always be grateful for you in my life.
And together, I remember the two of you building a home where all were welcomed and I felt loved and valued. Thank you, and I love you.
Love, Maya
One of my earliest memories is when I was five years old living in Boston and Granny faced her lifelong fear of flying to come see us. I remember being ten and Granddaddy playing endless games of pool with me. Thirteen and Granny coming over every Tuesday evening with dinner. These moments in time were just a small example of the caring people my grandparents were. Thanks to Granny and Granddaddy for a lifetime worth of happy memories and an example of living life boldly and loving generously. You will be missed dearly.
-Jessica

Grandma, Me, you, and sissy were like three peas in a pod. Growing up, I always looked forward to our Saturday dates; you spoiling us with everything we didn't need. You could never tell us no, if my parents said no, I always knew for sure I could get a yes out of my grandma. You were the sweetest. The love you gave was perfect; you made me feel like I didn't have to share a grandma with my siblings and cousins. I will never understand how you made each of us feel equally as special. You were always there: my first basketball game, softball games, or band concerts. You never missed a beat.
Thinking of your voice, your sweet warm smile and spirit. The joy you got out of watching me break my own neckbone eating record, you loved me so much. Everything I am is because of you. Nothing in this world could ever compare to the love we shared for each other. No matter how old I got, I was your baby. No matter how big I was I still sat in your lap, allowed you to feed me, and just be your little baby. I will miss you so much, but I will always hold on to these memories. You were so special to me.
To know you was to love you, grandma. Everyone loved you; the people at the grocery store, my friends, the workers at Waffle House Etc. "Mrs. G" was everyone's favorite. You were a lover. I thank you for loving me grandma, teaching me, and giving me strength at times you didn't even know. You had such a good fight and I'm so happy you gained your wings.
Everything I am and everything I will be is because of you and Granddaddy. I'll miss you guys so much. But you will always be in my heart. I promise to make you proud, watch over me. I'll love you forever.
My Granddaddy, My favorite guy. I never knew I could hurt like this, I thought we could at least have you. I don't know who's going to call me every other night and remind
me "Study hard and pray JJ". I can't even begin to think of life without you.
You were more than a Granddaddy to me. You were a provider, a supporter, and my number 1 fan.
A few weeks ago I caught you staring off into space. I asked "what are you thinking about granddaddy" you replied "I wish you and your sister would sing the Barney song again." I wish we could sing it again too Granddaddy. I'd
give up everything in this world to hear you call me JJ again, for a kiss on the
cheek, for a hug, one more Sunday dinner, or to just hear you yawn. You always praised me for doing well in school. Which I didn't deserve, because that was for you. Those good grades were never for me. But for you. Everything good that I did, I couldn't wait to tell you the good news. You pushed me to be the very best, I remember you forcing me to read to you. Even in the summer time, I would try to explain to you what a "Summer BREAK" meant, but you weren't hearing it. Words can't explain how grateful I am for everything you've done for us.
I can't even begin to imagine who's going to hold our family up better then you. How can it ever get better then you? How am I going to be okay?

I still have no answers. I wish I could get one more phone call from you, or another voicemail. "Hey JJ, it's your Granddaddy". I wish I could hear you say "It's okay JJ" just like you always did, even when
it wasn't okay.
I'll miss you more than anything in this world Granddaddy, but now you're off to be with grandma. I'm happy for the both of you. The only good I can see out of this is that you both are together for eternity. Until we meet again, I'll be loving and missing you both for as long as I live. I promise to make you proud and be the woman you always wanted me to be.
Love, JJ

Dear Grandma,

I'll always remember you picking me up from school every day, 1st

grade up to the 8th grade. I became closer to you more than I am with

almost anyone today. Every day you would have a snack sometimes a

meal waiting for me after school. We used to talk, laugh, and cry about

everything. You taught me how to think for myself and love myself,

but I could name a 1000 things you did for me and others; but the main

thing every

is you single

were always Wednesday,

there or a phone call away. You when you took me and Silas to

were there Waffle House,

--~~~~~~-===-J

you were there to take care of me when I was sick, and when I was sad or when I was hungry. You were

there for my sisters, my cousins, my dad and my grandad: you were there for everybody. My grandma

made me the person I am today. You will live through me and my family every day. I love you and will

miss you every day.

Dear Granddaddy,
I don't know where to begin on the impact you had on me. You were always there with grandma every day. You guys always had a snack and a lecture waiting for me. But now I miss those long talks with you about how I need to read more and work on my studies harder. During all of those yelling matches we had about me not wanting to read during the summer or me not wanting to play my saxophone notes one more time. I realize all you ever wanted was for me to excel in life, think for myself, do better in everything, give 100 percent, look out for my sisters, and to be a man. Every day we would sit together for hours doing homework and have hand writing competitions and grandma would judge them. She would always say mine was better, even if it was yours, sometimes. We would race up the hill on Fridays and you never missed a Wednesday in chapel to hear me speak. Your main purpose was to make sure I was set to do anything I wanted to do. You loved me and I love you back, I will miss you every day. I will make you proud everyday by making sure I do my best like you always wanted.

Love, Nicholas

Dear Grandma, I have so many fond memories of you... I remember when we used to sit in the den and play catch. All the days we used to watch Food Network together while I played on the floor in front of you. Thanks for spoiling me and Nick and for always bringing me a snack when you pick me up from school. My favorite memory was when you would tell me to climb up in your big comfy chair for nap time by saying "come on up and get in the hole". Thanks for being the best grandma in the universe.
Dear "Granddad-Daddy", I remember when you would sing "You are My Sunshine...My only Sunshine" to me over and over again. Thank you for teaching me to love music...I promise to be a great pianist. You would always take me outside to play no matter what. I will miss you so much!
To both of you...I really miss saying goodnight to both of you - bedtime won't be the same anymore.
Love, Silas
When I used to do gymnastics, Granny would pick me up and we would always get food after. Every day I would ask her if we could get food and she would reply "yes", but one day she said "maybe". I got quiet and said "ok", but she laughed and said "maybe always means yes". I'll never forget that and I'll never forget Granny.
I always remember Granddaddy telling me about music and telling me about the trombone and that influenced me to play the trombone. Whenever I play I'll think of him.
Love, Ivory
Grandma, I love you. I'll miss giving you kisses. You're my angel now. You are the best Grandma in the whole world!
Granddaddy, I love you and I love when you gave me hugs. You are the best Granddaddy in the whole world!
Love, Summer

A LIFE TIME OF MEMORIES
A Message to our Brother... Dearest Brother, You were one of a kind; a rare treasure. It was quite a challenge growing up with you but you touched our lives in many wonderful ways. Our thoughts will always be filled with happy memories of you. We will miss you greatly.
Love Anne, Vivian, Ken and Ed
A Message to our Sister-in-Law... Dear Swinge, You were our sister-in-law, but you were more like a sister to us. You were also our friend and will be greatly missed. You will always be in our hearts and memories.
Love Anne, Vivian, Ken and Ed
A Message to my Aunt... To my aunt, my best friend, and my strong tower, I love you so much. I have and will miss our two to three hours late night conversations. Just know that every night I go to bed, I will be thinking and talking to you. Distance was never an issue with you because we felt so close to each other. We even knew each other so well that we would finish each other's sentences. We would say "a hug is coming". You knew all my happenings and struggles in my life and with your love and hugs I knew I could get through it. Thank you for helping and loving me unconditionally. You were always there for me and my family. You really were more like a sister to me. I love your family like my own and you love and embraced my family as your own. You would tell my children all the time how much you love them and they knew and felt the love you shared with them. I am not good at writing in words my thoughts but it does bring comfort to my heart to be able to share my thoughts. Debbie, Neil and Luther's family I love you all so much. Please know that when this is being read that my family is your family as well and you all will always have a special place in our hearts. I am not going to say good-bye but until we meet again. Love and night hugs and kisses. I will always love you and Luther.
With all my love, Jackie

pALLBEARERS
Joe Bolden Eric Paulk Billy Cheatum Stephone Cheatum Travis Durden John Hill Sylvester Lewis

Donald Morris Brian Mulligan Edgar Snead Kerwin Snead Lamont Snead Christopher Williams Russell Williams

FLOWER ATTENDANTS

Lisa Dawson

Lori Revere

Tonya Gibson

Kikky Smith

Subrima Hill

India Snead

Jennifer Lewis

Jennifer Snead

Jana McAllister

Martina Snead

Tymeka Mulligan

Tamika Snead

Vernice Reed

Patricia Ward

Rotonda Williams

AcKNO~EDGEMENTS
Words can never express the gratitude that we feel, having received all of the cards, telephone calls, flowers and the overwhelming outpouring of support you have expressed at this most difficult time. We thank all of our friends and family for joining us as we celebrate the lives of our precious Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, Grandfather, Grandmother, Uncle, Aunt and Friend. May God continue to bless and keep you. We will always remember your kindness.
The Grimes Family
A special thanks to JoAnn Jennings, her "Favorite Cousin," Jackie Snead, a "Special Niece," Estella Blackman, Elizabeth Williams, Amber Gordon, Greg Victor and Latania Tate for the loving hands on care providers that brought comfort to our mother.

MURRAY BROTHERS
FUNERAL HOME, INC.
404-349-3000 1199 Utoy Springs Road, Southwest
(corner ofCascade Rd. near 1-285)
Atlanta, Georgia 30331

MKO Graphics & Printers, Inc. 404-931-7230

Don)t spend too much time mourning) tears are for the sad) ) left to be with jesus)
and this should make ~ou glad. Don)t waste hours of grieving)
no need to feel distress) ) am free from llfe)s frustrations
and gone to get some rest. Don)t vex ~ourself with 9uestlons
or tr~ to reason wh~) Life here for me had ended) It came m~ turn to die. Don)t lose the love )gave ~ou) feed It with ~our care)
Give It ~our devotion and spread It ever~where. Don)t fret because m~ leaving came In such a wa~) We)ll have another meeting on God)s E_ternal Da~.
--VIrginia

The Last Request
Please don't say that I gave up, Just say that I gave in.
Don't say I lost the battle, For it was God's war to lose or win.
Please don't say how good I was, But that I did my best.
Just say I tried to do what's right, To give the most I could, not less.
Please don't give me wings or halos, That's for God to do.
I want no more than I deserve, Not extras, just my due.
Please don't give me flowers, Or talk in harsh tones.
Don't be concerned about me now, I'm well with God, I've made it home. Don't talk about what could have been,
It's over and done. Just see all ofmy family's needs,
The battle has been won!
When you draw a picture ofme, Don't draw me as a saint.
I've done some good, I've done some wrong...... So use all ofyour paint.
Not just bright and light tones, Use some gray and dark.
In fact, don't put me down on canvas, Just paint me in your heart.
Don't just remember all of the good times, But remember all of the bad. For life is full ofmany things, Some happy, some sad.
But if you must do something, Then I have one last request. Forgive me for the wrongs I've done, And with the love that's left, Thank God for my soul's resting. Thank God for all who loved me And praise God who loves me the best.
--Luther

What we may see as an awful situation .....Look at how God works. He knew that one wouldn't be able to survive without the other. So He took them together. How amazing is that!
Rest in Heaven Mr. & Mrs. G
~Kikky