Elmyra Eudeana (Johnson) Grindstaff passed away on September 1, 2023, with her children by her side.
Elmyra (“Deena”) was born October 15th, 1935, in Spruce Pine, NC the daughter of the late Tilmon and Mamie Johnson. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Reverend Burl Dean Grindstaff, and a son, Keith Grindstaff. She is also preceded in death by a grandson, Zack Stout, a brother, Lee Johnson and a sister, Opal English.
Left to cherish her memories are her son, Dean (Samantha) Grindstaff; daughters: Sandie Grindstaff and Sharon (Tim) Gillespie, and siblings: J.D. Johnson, Jewell Styles, and Richard Johnson, all of Spruce Pine. She is also survived by grandchildren: Andra (Marc) Helton, Anthony (April) Hudson, Aaron (Ellie) Hudson, Alex Hudson, Ayla (Eric) Johnson, Chase (Madison) Gillespie, Cole Gillespie, Gracelynn Grindstaff and bonus grandchildren: Katelyn and Jordan Sillman and many great grandchildren.
As a minister’s wife, Deena attended many churches that her husband pastored in the area, the most recent being Bible Baptist Church in Spruce Pine. She enjoyed decorating her home with unique thrift store finds that she upcycled or by designing handmade items. Deena was creative and constantly looking for the latest fashions and trends for her home, even at the age of 87. Christmas was her favorite time and every room in her home was often filled with decor for the season.
A time to support family, share memories, and receive friends will be on Sunday September 3rd from 1:30 until 2:30 pm at Yancey Funeral Services in Burnsville, NC. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 2:30 pm with interment at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery. Reverend Clayton McKinney will officiate.
Family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Blue Ridge as well as the staff of the Greens in Spruce Pine for wonderful care of Deena during her final days.
