Mary Joan Grubb

We were the fortunate ones to know her, to be loved by her, to be chosen to have her in our lives. What she taught us is something you cannot learn in school. She showed us what it means to love unconditionally, regardless of who you are, where you come from, or who you love.

On February 1, the world lost a sweet loving soul when Mary Joan Grubb passed away in the arms of her sister just two weeks shy of her 65th birthday. She was born at a time when doctors advised parents of infants with Down Syndrome to give them up, put them in a “home,” and forget about them. Thankfully, her parents did not do this. She was their firstborn and they proudly brought her home, loved her and had six more siblings for her. She is part of a generation of adults with Down Syndrome living so much longer because they were raised at home and not in a “home.”

Mary Joan was a special woman whose friendly personality, beautiful smile and clear blue eyes made you feel comfortable and at ease. She was a gentle, funny, clever and an amazing woman with a wry sense of humor who lived a full and happy life. She loved to sing and listen to music but she specialized in hugging. She gave the best hugs! She was a kind, gentle and loving person. Her life was a testament to the power of love to change people's lives for the better.

We selfishly grieve her passing but thrill in the knowledge that she joins her mother, Barbara Quinn Grubb, her father, John Ralph Grubb, Jr., and her brother, John Ralph Grubb, III all of Greenville, SC, who predeceased her in 2001, 2019 and 2007 respectively.

She was the special sister to Patricia Grubb Munson of Simpsonville, SC (Charlie) whose love for her surpassed all else. She was the special sister to four other brothers: Bryan Grubb of Greenville, SC (Carolyn), Jim Grubb of Woodruff, SC, Bill Grubb of Atlanta, GA and Phillip

Grubb of Glyndon, MN (Julie), who grew up with the knowledge that she was an angel on loan from God.

Mary Joan was the treasured aunt to her nephews, Steven Sloan of Washington, DC (Erikson Arcaira), Tyler Grubb of Greenville, SC and her niece, Ashley Sloan Haldeman of Delmar, MD (Andrew).

She was also the special great aunt to Abigail Sloan and Casen Haldeman, both of Delmar, MD, Logan Grubb, Dalton Grubb, and Brooklyn Grubb of Glyndon, MN.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family is having a private family service at Mackey Mortuary in Greenville, SC on February 22 with burial at Graceland East Cemetery.