Nancy Jeanne Grisham

Nancy Jeanne Blankenship Grisham, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed into the arms of her Savior Jesus Christ on January 1, 2011. Nancy leaves a long legacy of caring and love and a life shared with her loving husband of 65 years, Rufus. Nancy was born in Abilene, Texas on June 6, 1924 and is preceded in death by her parents Benjamin Roscoe Blankenship and Jeanne Jennings Blankenship. Nancy was raised in Abilene and educated at Abilene High School, graduating in 1940, where she met Rufus. She then attended McMurry University and later transferred to the University of Texas, graduating in 1944 with a Bachelor in Business Administration. Nancy was a proud leader in her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta. After serving his country in the US Air Force in World War II, Rufus returned to Texas to marry Nancy on November 24, 1945. Nancy and Rufus then began their life together in Houston, moving several times and raising their three active and athletic boys. Nancy was an active booster for her boys’ sports but had a heart for service in her church and community. Nancy was a leader and Board member of United Methodist Women in each community in which she has lived but particularly in Vicksburg, Mississippi and Lubbock, Texas. During her ten year stay in Vicksburg, Nancy was on the board of the Junior League, the Vicksburg Garden Club, the Ladies Golf Association and the First United Methodist Church of Vicksburg Women’s Guild. She was also a Certified Tour Guide for the Antebellum Home Association. She and Rufus moved back to Texas in 1979 where she again became a leader in her community. She served on the Boards of the Junior League and Garden Club of Lubbock, the Symphony Guild and active member of Lubbock Country Club and Ladies Golf Association. Nancy spent most of her time in the service of her church, First United Methodist Church of Lubbock, the UMW, and a member of the Questors Sunday School Class. She was on the Board of Directors and Secretary of Methodist Hospital and on the planning committee for the annual Methodist Hospital Gala. She was a Board member and active supporter of the Wesley Foundation and of the Methodist/Covenant Hospital School of Nursing. Nancy is survived by her husband, Rufus William Grisham; affectionately called “Ther-Ther” by her sons, William Ray Grisham of Lubbock, John Robert Grisham and wife, Debbie, of Dallas; and Thomas James Grisham and wife, Julie, of Dallas. Nancy was grandmother, “Memaw”, to eight grandchildren: Kelli Grisham Goldston and husband Jeff, of Lubbock; Benjamin, Matthew, Nicole and John Grisham, of Dallas; and Tyler, Caroline and Anna Grisham of Dallas. Nancy is also survived by her brother, Ben Blankenship, and wife, Carol, of Falls Church, Virginia, and nephews, Buddy and Bobby, and niece, Jeanine. Nancy also leaves her relatives the Jennings, Compere, Williamson and Pierson families in Abilene, TX. A celebration of life for Nancy will be held Tuesday, January 4th, at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church of Lubbock, with Interment Service following the Memorial Service at Resthaven. A visitation with family will be held on Monday, January 3rd from 4:30-6:00 at Resthaven Funeral Home, 5740 W. 19th St., Lubbock. Memorial donations may be made to the Wesley Foundation or the First United Methodist Church Building Fund.