Obituary: Encie Mae Grimes

Our Loving Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Encie Mae Grimes, went to be with our Lord on Jan. 11, 2015, at the age of 98.

Encie was born Jan. 31, 1916, in Ashland, Alabama, to George Washington Newton and Sular Belle Smith.

She is survived by her four children and families, Saul Grimes (Ann), Bryan Grimes (Mary), Hinton Grimes (Melanie) and Dorothy Alligood (Bo); eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Encie was preceded in death by her parents, G. W. Newton and Sular B. Smith; her husband, Thelma Grimes; her husband, Pete Whisonant; her grandson, Clint Alligood; her daughter-in-law, Connie Grimes; and all her siblings, Selby, Pete, Aniemaude, Buna, Estin, Perry and Polly.  

Encie met and married Thelma Grimes in Opp, Alabama. After marrying, she and Thelma farmed in Opp for many years. All four children were born. Encie managed to keep a clean house, take care of four children, cook for many field hands and work in the field, as well.  She could do it all and still laugh and bring joy to anyone around.  

The family moved to Winter Garden in 1954. Encie worked in the citrus industry with the same drive she always had and made many friends in the process. Everyone loved Encie! She was always so kind and thoughtful and fun to be around. During her lifetime, her greatest joy and accomplishment were her children and later her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She then became our precious Granny. If anyone of them were in need, no matter how tough times were, she found a way to help. She always put everyone else’s needs before her own, always. 

Several years after her husband, Thelma, passed away, she found love again and married Pete Whisonant, who adored her and made it his mission to make her happy until his death.  

Encie has blessed so many. She was most happy when she was cooking or caring for others right up until the time she could no longer stand. She will be missed by so many, especially her loving family. We know God has a special place for her in His kingdom.

A Memorial Service was held Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at Wright Baptist Church, 795 Beal Parkway, Fort Walton Beach. The burial took place at Peaceful Acres Memorial Cemetery, 1018 Florala Highway, Opp, Alabama. 

Expressions of love and sympathy may be viewed online at emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com.