Carolyn V. Grinnell

Carolyn V. Grinnell was born on March 13, 1937 to the Late George Rider, Jr. and Maybelle C. Burton in Wilmington Delaware. She earned her wings on Saturday, October 30, 2021, surrounded by her family.

She received her early education in the Wilmington Public school system, graduating from Howard High School, Class of 1954. She received a Business Administration degree from OIC, Inc. After graduating from OIC, she worked as the Executive Secretary for Dr. E. Arthur Trabant, President of the University of Delaware. Carolyn remained in this position working faithfully with Dr. Trabant until retirement.

Carolyn was a faithful member of the Mt. Joy United Methodist Church, since childhood. She attended Sunday school, was a member of the Children's Choir, Report Card, Holy Communion Stewards for over 25 years, Church Garden Committee associated with the Delaware Horticulture Society, the Worship Committee, Women's Ministry and HIV AIDS Ministry with Beautiful Gate. Carolyn also served as the Administrative Secretary for over 25 years, retiring in 2016.

Carolyn was a member of the Sassy Cardinals Red Hat Society, under the leadership of Mattie McBee, Founder and Queen Mother. She was one of the original members of the South Wilmington Adult Senior Program. Carolyn was a member of the Eastlawn Civic Association for over 2 decades. During that time, she served as their secretary, member of the community garden competition, associated with the Delaware Horticulture Society. Carolyn's favorite pleasure in life was spending time with her family and traveling. Carolyn and husband traveled in and out of the United States, and traveled the globe as far as Africa. They were avid Eagles fans. They hosted football parties at their home and always had season tickets to see their beloved Eagles.

In 1965, Carolyn was married in holy matrimony to the Late William H. Grinnell, Sr. They were blessed with two sons, William Henry, Jr. and Reginald Van. Carolyn and William were married for 40 years in wedded bliss.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, William H Grinnell, Sr., Her son, William, her sisters, Vilma Cheatwood Smith, and Shirley A. Byrd, and her devoted niece, Kay Francis Brown.
Carolyn leaves to cherish her memory, her son, Reginald Grinnell; Loving brother, Allen A. Rider (Sylvia Rider); Grandchildren, William Elder, Reginald Elder, Kinira Allen (Dean), Keenon Grinnell, Shanda Williams (Tamal), Zachary Bridgeforth and Reginald Grinnell-Congo; Great Grandchildren, Michael Scaggs, Tyler Allen, Tahj Lenoir, Kaydence Allen, Israel Congo-Thomas, Aliyah Grinnell, Navia Grinnell, Reginae Grinnell, Mallory Lenoir, Shiah Lenoir, Mone Allen, Travon Lenoir. Caregivers and companions, Rose Couch, Shanda Williams, Reginald Grinnell-Congo, Lynn Dacus, Delores Cheatwood, Lewis Cheatwood, Janice Henry, Patricia Henry and a host of relatives and friends. Previous Events


Public Viewing


NOV 8. 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM (ET)

Mt. Joy United Methodist Church
451 Townsend Street
Wilmington , DE 19801

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Celebration of Life


NOV 8. 11:00 AM (ET)

Mt. Joy United Methodist Church
451 Townsend Street
Wilmington , DE 19801

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Graveside Service


NOV 9. 11:00 AM (ET)

Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery
2465 Chesapeake City Road
Bear, DE 19701
https://vets.delaware.gov/

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