La Vada Ruth Grissom

Grissom, La Vada Ruth Prater-age 76 of South Knoxville, passed away May 10, 2013 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center after a strong and courageous battle with cancer. La Vada slipped the bonds of this world into the presence of her Heavenly Father, surrounded by those who loved her so much. Serenaded by angels, she entered into the glory of the Lord to dwell there for eternity, basking in the glory of her Lord and Savior. She will be remembered as a caring, loving and compassionate wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend to all who knew her, a true angel in every sense. She will be long remembered by her children and grandchildren as a loving and caring person, always putting their wants and needs above everything else. She was truly loved by everyone who knew her. Her beautiful smile and loving nature were contagious. She lived each day to the fullest, with courage and faith. She was a bright and generous person with a great sense of humor and love of travel. She had a passion for cookbooks and old movies. La Vada was a member of Colonial Heights United Methodist Church. La Vada was retired from the Knox County Public Library System as their chief financial officer, with 29 plus years of service, and even after retirement, she continued to serve the library system as a member of the advisory board for several years, before being forced to retire due to her cancer. La Vada was a member of Acacia-May Chapter #24, Order of the Eastern Star and a past star point officer. La Vada is survived by her husband and soul mate of 56 memorable years, Horace P. Grissom Jr.: twin sons, Douglas and Scott Grissom and their respective wives, Tresha and Geri; daughter and son-in-law, April and William R. Whitley; daughter Terry Caruthers; grand-children, Gavin and Cohen Grissom; Wesley and Emily Grissom; Timothy and Rachel Whitley; sisters, Betty Havlicek; Joyce Ann Hale and husband James; brother, John Paul Prater and wife Anita and sister-in-law Nancy Grissom. Family will receive friends Monday, May 13, 2013 from 5:30 to 7:00pm in the Chapel of Berry Funeral Home. Services will begin at 7:00pm, with Rev. Joe Chandler officiating. Family and friends will meet Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at Woodlawn Cemetery for a 10:00 am graveside service. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Diabetes Associations. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com