Ernestine Grimes

Ernestine Grimes passed away peacefully on October 25, 2014 at the age of seventy-one, but if you asked her, she would say, Girl I'm a hundred years old! She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on March 30, 1943 to her parents, Mildred Shaw and Charles McPherson, who preceded her in death.

She received her diploma from Hughes High School in 1961. She retired from the Internal Revenue Service after 30 years of service, at the age of fifty-two.

Ernestine had three sisters and one brother, Delores Colbert, who preceded her in death, and survived by Barbara Shaw-Jordan, Malinda Shaw, and James L. Shaw.

She leaves behind her only child, Stephanie Grimes. She was a wonderful grandmother to Zurlond Davis, who could do no wrong, in her eyes. She was also blessed to share in the joy of the life of her great grandson Ryden Davis. She was so proud of all her nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be especially missed by cousins, Teri Hardin and Tayla Harris, who were her 'hanging buddies.' She also leaves behind her extended family from the IRS, childhood friends, Pepper (the dog), and that passerby.

My mother, Ernestine Grimes, was more than the basic information gathered above. Most would say that she never met a stranger. It did not matter if she encountered you while shopping at Walgreens or struck up a conversation while catching the Metro to Fountain Square. She was inspired by the random conversations of various individuals. Well, she also liked the free samples they passed out on the Square in the summer. Her motto was 'If it's free, take three.' There were times when somehow she had you engulfed in a debate, before you realized what was happening. She always said: 'Even my wrongs are right!' Encouraging words were always given to uplift your spirit and she accepted you for who you were. If she could not think of the correct words to say, she probably sang you a song or made you laugh. Her quick wit was always on time and never used in a venomous manner. Even though she was only 5'2', her personality was larger than life. One might think she would slow down once she became ill, but that was not the case. This woman was the star of the nursing home. If the nursing home would have had a prom, I'm sure she would have been crowned Senior Citizen Prom Queen. The entire staff, residents, volunteers, and visitors knew and loved Ernestine. She was the life of the party.

Ernestine touched the lives of so many, especially the youth. Young people were attracted to her spirit and always wanted to be near her. She touched my life most of all. I am, my mother's child. I want to take this opportunity to thank you Mama for those thought-provoking conversations, doctor visits, cap sessions, dance offs, shopping trips, school events, graduations, pep talks, and birthdays. Our bond can never be broken. You will continue to be my hero and inspiration. If I can be half the woman you were, then I am doing pretty darn good. I now have the opportunity to pass on your wisdom, quotes, quick wit, and feistiness to the youth because that is who you always advocated for. You always said 'Leave those young folks alone; don't forget you were their age once.' Mama, you left your footprints in our hearts and we thank God that we shared this space in time with you. Once again, this is truly from the heart. I love and miss you Ma.

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