THE
HOPWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
HALL
OF FAMEINDUCTION – Sunday, December 9, 2001
Mary Lou Grimm was born in Somerfield, PA on October 2, 1924, the daughter of Rebecca Jane and Charles Victor Griffith and the youngest of seven children. She was christened Mary Lou, but to everyone who knew her, she was “Mitzi”.
In 1927, the family moved to Hopwood. Mitzi graduated from south Union Township High School in 1942 and in September 1944, she became the war bride of Walter Grimm. They began married life at an air base in Greenville, South Carolina. After the war, they returned to Hopwood and spent 48 years together until her death in June of 1992. They were parents of three children: Barry, Bobbi Jane (Cookie) and Danny and proud grandparents of four: Walter and Jane Cook and Brandon and Tyler Grimm.
Her association with the Hopwood Methodist Church enriched Mitzi’s life. She received much from the church, but she gave much in return.
She was always interested in young people. Since her musical talent was limited to an original piano rendition of “What a Friend we have in Jesus”, she helped present many children’s plays and pageants at the church, usually with her children, nieces, and nephews in prominent rolls. Does anyone remember her son, Danny and Kerry Griffith as Indians – pasts well cast – or Cookie and Renee Shaw’s piano/violin duets?
As her children grew older and left home, Mitzi became involved with the teenagers of the church by working with the MYF. Many benefited from her listening ear and easy-flowing words of wisdom.
She was part of the fund and fellowship of Class 9 of the church. The class must surely miss her as an active member and teacher for many years. It seems like Class 9 was part of her definitions of life: wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandparent, and member of Class 9. There were years of class meetings, mother-daughter banquets and teas. Does any remember the old-fashioned style shows and the numerous church dinners in the basement or the strawberry festivals?
Through the years, she held numerous church offices, but perhaps the most valuable contribution to the church was just her presence. She was a people-person, who was a pleasure to know. Her humor, compassion for others, love of family and friends, and love of life touched us all.
Thanks, Mitzi. We know you are listening. We love you and we’ll always remember you and we honor you today not only for what you did – but for who you were.