Dona Rae Grisham

Dona Rae Grisham, age 75, of Danville, lost her battle with pancreatic cancer on Friday, July 2, 2004 at her home. Dona was born in 1929 in Kennett, Missouri. In 1951, she was married to loving husband Lin L. Grisham, who survives her. She is also survived by her daughters Cathy Grisham of Wilmette, IL; Holly Grisham Conroy of Chicago, IL, Heather Grisham of Indianapolis, IN and one granddaughter, Lauren Azuma also of Wilmette, IL. She is preceded in death by father and mother Fred and Dorris Ford and one brother Fred Ellis Ford. Mrs. Grisham, a resident of Danville since 1960, received a BS from Butler University and a MS of Education from National-Louis University, Evanston IL. She taught school for more than 30 years at Roselawn, Edison and Liberty Elementary Schools in Danville. While teaching, she served as President of the Danville Education Association in 1967-68. She was a dedicated participant in a host of local church and civic organizations, including the St. James United Methodist Women, Danville Musical Cycle, Vermilion County Retired Teachers Association, and the Danville Garden Club. She was a talented singer and soloist for the St. James Choir. After retiring from teaching she found great joy as owner of Dona's Cards and Gifts at Queen Ann's Cottage. She also was a tutor for Adult literacy as well as a Girl Scout Troop leader in the 70's. Dona was a vibrant joyful soul who had many friends. She loved to stay busy. And though her list of accomplishments is long, they do not precisely reflect the depth of personal and heartfelt concern she always showed those around her. She was a loving mother and grandmother who will be missed greatly by her family and her community.