Dr. Ethel Lee Grandy – Metropolitan Funeral

Dr. Ethel Mother Grandy’s Legacy

Dr. Ethel “Mother” Grandy, affectionately known to all who knew her, transitioned on Friday, March 3, 2023, at her residence. She was the daughter of Waverly and Lillian Simmons. She was preceded in death by her husband; George Grandy, Sr., sister; Mable Simmons Whitaker; brothers; Walter Simmons and Moses Simmons, and daughter; Ethel Ann Grandy.

Mother Grandy was a native of Chesapeake, Virginia. She worked as an activist in the Chesapeake community for many decades. She recruited and trained neighborhood residents to vote at a time when it was unpopular for women to lead such activities. She joined the Oak Grove Civic League in her early twenties, and eventually became president. One of her outstanding accomplishments was to encourage other civic leagues to form a joint committee for the purpose of recruiting residents to become members.

After retiring from the Chesapeake Public School System, Mother Grandy continued her community activism. Her many activities and service in the community led to her achievement of many “firsts.” She was one of the first African American women to be appointed as a local election judge in Chesapeake. Mother Grandy was the first woman to hold the position of president of the local Sunday school union, consisting of eight churches. Under her leadership the union sponsored two successful anti-drug rallies. Judge Reginald Walton, the “drug–czar” appointed by President George W. Bush, was the featured guest speaker.

In 1991, inspired by the work she was doing in the church with youth, Mother Grandy created Families United Against Drugs (FUAD). FUAD partnered with the City of Chesapeake to educate youth about the dangers of illegal drugs. She spoke to youth, community, and church groups throughout Chesapeake. Mother Grandy spread her anti-drug message in the Chesapeake City Jail and the juvenile detention center.

Mother Grandy received both local and national recognition for her work with youth in Chesapeake City and Hampton Roads communities. In 2007, she received the U. S. Federal Bureau of Investigations Director’s Community Leadership Award for her “demonstrated” strong commitment and participation in the furtherance of encouraging youth to be productive citizens.

For her many years of community activism and service, Mother Grandy was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree, by Old Dominion University, during the One Hundred Eighteenth Commencement Exercises on May 10, 2008. To culminate Dr. Grandy’s many years of service to the City of Chesapeake and Hampton Roads community, March 1, 2021, she was recognized by the Virginia State House of Delegates, and the Senate concurring, that the General Assembly commended Dr. Grandy as a cherished community leader whose timeless efforts to support young people in Chesapeake and Hampton Roads madea difference in their lives.

Dr. ‘Mother’ Grandy’s commitment and dedication to service ofothers comes from her love for the church. Continuing her family tradition, she joined the Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. She served as deaconess, trustee, Sunday school teacher, and member of the missionary board. As an usher, Mother Grandy greeted everyone with a beautiful heartfelt smile. She was the oldest deaconess and member of the church. Dr. Grandy was a renowned speaker throughout Hampton Roads. She used her message to encourage people of all ages to use what they learned in church to empower their lives.

Everlasting memories of Dr. Ethel ‘Mother’ Grandy will forever be remembered by: her five children; Eva Grandy Howell (James) of Norlina, North Carolina; Brenda Grandy Hasbrouck (Merritt) of Chicago, Illinois; Lillian Grandy Grimes of Boston, Massachusetts; George Grandy, Jr. (Rita) of Douglasville, Georgia; Lisa Grandy Miller of Chesapeake, Virginia; eightgrandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, a special dog; JR, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, church family, and friends. Including her God given children; Elder Maurice and Earlene Hilliard, Delegate Cliff Hayes, Jr. Member Virginia General Assembly, and her life-long prayer partner, Mrs. Lilly Coker.