Carolyn Grisham, 87
March 25, 1938 – June 19, 2025
Mary Carolyn Rowland Grisham, known affectionately as Carolyn by all who knew her, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, in her hometown of Pontotoc County, MS, where she was also born on March 25, 1938. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, care, and an unwavering dedication to her family. Carolyn’s legacy is one of warmth, grace, and the timeless elegance of a life well-lived. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church.
Carolyn was the cherished daughter of James M. (Shorty) Rowland and Ludie Ethel Pannell Rowland both of whom preceded her in death. Her life was a testament to the values they instilled in her—love for family, hard work, and the joy of simple pleasures. Carolyn’s journey through life was shared with her beloved husband of one month shy of seventy years married, Ladurl Grisham, who, along with their daughters, Nancy Chism and Tracie Wallis (Charles), remain to cherish her memory. A doting grandmother, she adored her grandchildren, Meredith Mayo (Brad), TJ Browning, Travis Browning. and her great-grandchildren, Bennett Mayo and Ellie Mayo, who brought immense joy and laughter to her days; and her sister-in-laws, Warrene Weeden, and Eldrice Weeks (Terry).
Carolyn’s sisters, Sara Cobb and Sadie Lyons, and her son-in-law, Tracy Chism, as well as her sister-in-law Frances House ,and her brother-in-law, Veneray Weeden predeceased her. They, too, were integral parts of her life story and will be remembered fondly when recounting tales of Carolyn’s life.
As a housewife, Carolyn’s gentle and thoughtful nature shone brightly. She had an extraordinary talent as a seamstress, sewing for the public for many years. Her hands lovingly crafted beautiful pageant gowns that were not just garments but symbols of her care and attention to detail. She was also renowned for her culinary skills, a great cook whose love for her family was best expressed through the meals she prepared with such affection.
Carolyn’s dedication to her family was evident in the simplest acts—the way she always arrived early to pick up her grandchildren from school, often chatting with the school officer to stay cool in the car, or how she never missed an opportunity to attend her grandchildren’s activities. Her love for her “stories,” as she fondly called her soap operas, was well known, as was her meticulous nature when it came to her home—a reflection of the pride she took in her immaculate housekeeping.
Gardening was another of Carolyn’s passions. She found peace and contentment in her vegetable garden, and the fruits of her labor were preserved and canned, capturing the essence of summer for the colder months. A big plate of corn and butterbeans was not just a meal but a celebration of her hard work and dedication to her gardening skills.
Those who knew Carolyn will remember her as a loving, gentle, and thoughtful soul, whose presence was a source of comfort and happiness. Her life was a beautiful example of devotion to family, a commitment to her passions, and the grace with which she approached every day.
A visitation will be held, Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at United Funeral Service. Funeral Services will be Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior to her service. Bro. Don McCutchen and Bro. Phillip Jackson will officiate. Burial will be at Ingomar Cemetery.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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