Marilyn Blackwell Grimes

Marilyn Blackwell Grimes of Springfield, VA, 85, died at home on October 9, 2013. Born in Greensboro, NC, she graduated from George Washington High School in Alexandria, VA and later with honors from UNC at Chapel Hill, NC, where she was voted Best Dressed. She married Lt. Col. James Warren Grimes and was an Army wife for nearly 30 years, traveling both domestically and abroad.

She was an award-winning artist, beauty queen, runway model and commentator, published poet, member of the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts and avid belly dancer. She worked for the Girl Scouts, Harris & Ewing, Olan Mills Photography, Fairfax County Public Schools, and for the Springfield Branch of the US Postal Service, retiring with 16 years of service.

She is survived by her best friend and partner of 30+ years, Allan B. Simons; her elder daughter, Wilna Elizabeth (Eliza) Grimes Holcomb of Richmond and grandson Jeremy; her son, Reynolds Blackwell Grimes of Springfield and his wife Melissa and granddaughters Alicia, Kaitlin, Devon and Sophie; her younger daughter Marilyn Windsor (Windy) Grimes Gholson of Fairfax, VA and grandchildren Sean and Jamie; and her sister Janet Cannon of New Milford, CT.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 12th from 2-4 PM at Demaine Funeral Home located at 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA. A reception will follow in Fairfax, VA.

To see more photos from the life of Marilyn Blackwell Grimes, visit:

https://marilyngrimestribute.shutterfly.com/pictures/8