Barbara Grisham

Barbara LaRue Shipley Grisham, 91, peacefully passed away from this life in the early morning hours of May 14, 2025, at Trend Health and Rehab in Houston. Born on September 20, 1933, in Memphis, TN, she was the daughter of Kenneth Ward Shipley and Mildred Rakestraw Shipley Mathews.

Barbara was known by many names over the years—Barb, Mom, Aunt Barbara, Ms. Grisham—but her favorite title by far was “Grammy.” To those who loved her, she was their Grammy, but she was also everyone’s Grammy. It came naturally to her. She radiated love, acceptance, and compassion that drew people in. Because she was an only child, she cherished deep bonds with her family, and her close friends. Once you were loved by her, you knew it. She went above and beyond to care for those around her, giving tirelessly to make sure everyone felt happy, safe, and welcome in her home. She was fabulous, always wearing the most fashionable sunglasses she could find. She was never seen without her makeup and lipstick—always polished and elegant. She was the first to playfully scold the girls in the family if their hair wasn’t “fixed”, or their face wasn’t “done.” With her fiery red hair came a sharp sense of humor and quick wit. She loved fiercely and encouraged not only her own children, but also the many “bonus” kids who came into her life. She didn’t always ‘have it easy’. She faced many of life’s challenges with quiet strength, always sustained by her deep and unwavering faith in Jesus. Her greatest hope was that everyone she loved would come to know the Lord. Her back door was always open, and there was always a spread of food waiting. A self-taught chef, her love language was hospitality. Nothing brought her more joy than preparing her loved ones’ favorite meals. Her banana cake and apricot strudel were family favorites —just like her. The recipes she leaves behind will continue to bring comfort, joy, and memories to the family for generations. Barbara was a cheerleader at Southside High School in Memphis where she was also a Lt Colonel in the ROTC. She modeled for several department stores in Memphis including Gerber’s, and Julius Lewis. Barbara and her husband, Ray Grisham, began their married life in Memphis, Tennessee before settling in Aberdeen, Mississippi in 1972. In the early years, she worked as an Office Administrator for Sears and Roebuck, where she was honored to have the title Ms. Sears. Later, she helped manage the family business, Grisham Equipment Company. She would say her most important and fulfilling role was that of homemaker. She was active in her community—named Best Dressed, crowned Charity Ball Queen, a member of Junior Auxiliary, and a willing volunteer for many local causes. She loved to travel and was fortunate to visit many fascinating places over the years through the John Deere Company, and with close friends. One of her favorite stories to tell was about chaperoning an Aberdeen High School student trip to New York City—an adventure she always said was the scariest one she ever took! She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Aberdeen, where she served in the children’s department through Sunday School, Bible Study, and Nursery Duty. Her servant heart was evident in all she did. Barbara was our Grammy. She was “home” to so many. We will forever cherish our memories made and remember her fondly.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Tisdale-Lann Memorial Funeral Home in Aberdeen with Bro. Hamp Valentine officiating. Her granddaughter, Katie Brown will deliver the eulogy.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her son, Kenneth Lance Goodwin, Memphis, TN; two daughters, Vicki Goodwin Gregory, Memphis, TN and Kimberly Grisham Johnson (Jeff), Mantee, MS; her grandchildren and great grandchildren, to Vicki Goodwin Gregory’s family, granddaughter, Kristin Hawkins (Matt), Walls, MS and great grandchildren, Adam Heath, Kyle Heath, and Brody Heath; granddaughter, Paige Hawkins (Eric), San Francisco, CA, great grandchildren, Jimi Owens, Josie Owens, and Ruby Austin, and great- great grandchild, Liam Owen, granddaughter, Amber Phebus, Covington, TN, great grandchildren, twins, Scarlett Spracher and Sailor Spracher; of Kenneth Lance Goodwin’s family, grandson, Lance Goodwin (Rica), Memphis, TN, great grandchildren, Reagan Goodwin and Garrett Goodwin, grandson, John Goodwin (Jillian), Memphis, TN, great grandchild, Rowan Carol, granddaughter, Lauren Goodwin Ivy (Kevin), Memphis, great grandchildren, Frances Ivy and Wesley Ivy; of Kimberly Grisham Johnson’s (Jeff) family, granddaughter, Katie Johnson Brown (Jim), West Point, MS, great grandchildren, Collins Brown and Mary Charles Brown, granddaughter, Kesley Johnson James (Taylor), Columbus, MS, and great grandchild, West Stephens James; sister-in-law, Gail Grisham Blair (Brooks), Marietta, GA; nieces, Ashley Hatfield (Shan), Palmetto, FL and Allyson Phillips (John), Woodstock, GA; great nephew, Stone Hatfield, Palmetto, FL; great niece, Lauren Phillips, Athens, GA; and her special friends and caregivers, Shirley Bennett, Jean Bown, Arthur and Rosie Brown, Frances Wilemon, Pauleen Ware, Caitlin Hawkins, RN, Caitlin Lacy, RN, Angela Clay, CAN, Christy Lann, CNA, Legacy Hospice, Trend Health and Rehab, Three Rivers of Pontotoc, and Personal Place at Monroe Regional Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ray Grisham; her in-laws, Bob and Delia Mae Grisham, great grandson, Stellan Spracher, and great niece, Laken Hope Riley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Arthur Brown, Mitch Scott, Tuck Jones, Wes Johnson, Phil Weivoda, and Chester Patterson.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until the service hour at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to lakenhopefoundation.com/donate; First Baptist Church, Aberdeen, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.