Sept. 26, 1931 – Feb. 9, 2013

NATCHEZ — Graveside services for Judy Stokes Grimsley, 81, who died Feb. 9, 2013, will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Natchez City Cemetery with deacon Wayne Barnett officiating.

Friends are also welcome to attend a reception with the family at First Baptist Church from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

For 48 years, Mrs. Grimsley felt privileged to have served the students at Pleasant Acre Day School enjoying the accomplishments of the many students and loving each and every one of them. Active in fundraising for her special students, Judy was well known to local businesses who supported her efforts for such a worthy cause. She also supported and participated in volunteer projects for Natchez Children’s Home Services.

Judy spent many of years in the Natchez Garden Club and enjoyed greeting visitors and leading tours on weekends through a number of antebellum homes. Judy could bring the history and charm of her native city to life. A great promoter of Natchez, Judy loved to engage people, both at home and abroad with colorful stories of its people and history. In 2004, the Visitors Bureau and Tourism Council recognized Judy as a Natchez Tourism Superstar.

Active until her illness, Judy always enjoyed the fun and companionship of her numerous friends and childhood classmates including: Kathie, Clare, Mary Jean, Patsy, Effie, Leonore, Betsy, Claudia, Joan, Doris, Bernice, Rita, Mary, Ann, Lurie, Lula, Beverly, Billy Ann, Nancy, Mary Sue and many more.

She was preceded in death by her loving grandparents, Ralph and Maude Stokes of Natchez and her husband, Arthur Daniel Grimsley Jr., her childhood friend and partner of 52 years.

Survivors include one son, David of Natchez; one daughter, Melissa McKay and husband, Alex, of London, Canada; her granddaughters, Katie Graham and husband, Stuart, of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and Beth McKay, also of Toronto.

Judy will be missed by her beloved cousin, Linda Easley Taylor and husband, Billy, of Austin, Texas; as well as her extended families in Texas, Mississippi and Florida.

The family extends special thanks to Camellia Hospice and Anna Laura Orr, as well as the fine staff at Crown Health & Rehabilitation Center. Thanks also to Dr. Barry Tillman for his care, kindness and respect.