Mary Josephine Grissom Bates, 72, passed away February 6, 2017. In lieu of flowers Mary requested donations be made to one of the St. Jude Children's Research Hospitals. Mary was born May 11, 1944 in Milwaukee, WI to Frank and Rose Atwater. She grew up in a section of Milwaukee known as the Third Ward. Mary resided at Grandview Nursing Home since January 21, 2013. She enjoyed many activities and sharing conversation with friends and staff. The family would like to express their appreciation for the professional, caring service given Mary during her tenure at Grandview Nursing Home. Mary was preceded in death by husbands, David Grissom and Kern George Bates; father, Frank Atwater; mother, Rose Fera Atwater; brother, William Atwater; and sister, Josephine Barnekow. She is survived by sons, Wayne Grissom (Linda), David Wayne Grissom (Lillian); daughter, Patricia Grissom; sister Julia Hornback (Ron); several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
