Lola Grissim

Mrs. Lola Grissim, 97, of Readyville, Tennessee passed away on August 28, 2025, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom Floyd Hale and Ovie Lena Vanatta Hale and a son, Danny Grissim.

Survivors include her son, Jimmy (Connie) Grissim of Murfreesboro, daughter, Patricia Dromgoole of Texas, brother, S. E. Hale of Auburntown, sister, Paulette Duggin of Smithville, granddaughter, Susan (Shane) Martin of Alexandria, great grandchildren, Hope (Corey) Cripps, Brooke (Jonathan) Locke, Lane Martin, great great grandchildren, Caleb Cripps, Harper Cripps, Harley Locke.

She was born just before the Great Depression. Its impact shaped her life as well as her family's lives. Learning early the value of a dollar and how to live simply without many of life’s finer things. Her father was a sharecropper who often moved to find work to provide for their needs. She was expected to help with many of the household chores from a very early age. Helping her mother and taking care of her siblings. This meant she wasn't able to finish school. Even so, her common sense and work ethic carried her through the hardest of times. Material possessions were not important to her. The well-being and care of her family was a top priority. She would gladly do without something to ensure they had everything they needed. The thing she provided in the greatest abundance were her love and influence.

Her faith in God gave her the courage and endurance to face the adversities of life. His love shining through her and casting His light on those around her. She was a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church and attended until she became unable to drive herself. Hard work was the mold her life was cast into. Often holding down two jobs at the same time while still finding time to take care of her family. She worked at many different jobs over the years. Working nearly 25 years at General Electric, performing every position in the factory. Holding the position of quality control inspector for the longest period.

Tragedy struck her son Danny who had accident as a young man and was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. During his recovery she held a job and stayed with him as much as possible. Scrapping together the money to pay his hospital bills, which seemed insurmountable at the time. She kept persevering until it was taken care of. He was able to become self-sufficient in due time with her love and nurturing care. She and Danny both had a love for animals and kept dogs for companions over the years. Her love for her other children never faltered even though Danny's accident drew her focus for a time. Her granddaughter fondly reflected on the memory of Lola quietly coming to her bedroom window on many occasions to invite her to stay with her after even after working two jobs. Sometimes it was midnight or after when she came calling. Susan was thrilled to get to go to granny's house to spend time together.

Her humble and kind nature was always apparent. She never asked for much and was satisfied to live a quiet peaceful life. Loving and influencing people through her example. Though Lola has moved on from this earthly realm, her legacy endures—the unbreakable spirit of a woman who put family before all. She almost reached the century mark, but what is time when a heart so timeless continues to inspire? In honoring her memory, we celebrate a life lived with the profound understanding that love is, and will always be, life’s greatest gift.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on September 12, 2025, from 2-3 pm. A celebration of her life and legacy will follow at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home at 3 pm. Following her cremation she will be laid to rest at Wharton Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in lieu of flowers to the Outreach Baptist Church in Smithville. Share condolences and stories at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337. Because every life has a story.