Precious Memories

Whew, what a whirl wind of a long weekend. I am not even sure where to start.

Perhaps I should start by saying that my great-grandma Ruby passed away on Friday, the 6th of May. While I am terribly sad that she is no longer with us I am thankful that she has found peace and is out of pain. She has been battling cancer as well as other illnesses for the past few years and was terribly sick. I have decided to include her obit. just because I think it explains so much of her life.



Ruby Grimmett, 92, of Bruno, went to join her family in Heaven Friday, May 6, 2011, from Trinity Health Care of Mingo, following a long illness.
She was born November 16, 1918, at Kistler, a daughter of the late John B. Sr. and Inez Burgess Walls.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Grady Brown, her second husband, Gene Farr, her third husband, Dennis Grimmett; three sisters, Edna Walls, Maxine Creech, and Jesse Walls; three brothers, John B. Walls, Jr., Boyd Walls, and Berlin Walls; two nephews, John “J.C.” Walls and Doug Walls; and one niece, Carol Root.
Mrs. Grimmett became a home maker at the young age of 12 when her mother died. Her life was enriched with the laughter of children as she was first called upon to mother her younger siblings, Johnny and Maxine, and later her nephew, Ronald Dwayne “PeeWee” Stafford, as well as her own son, H.D. An avid gardener, Mrs. Grimmett raised a garden and canned every year until she was 87. When she was able she attended the Sand Lick Free Will Baptist Church.
Those left to cherish her memory are one son, H.D. “Doc” Brown and his wife, Marsha, of Luray, VA; one grandson, Grady Chris Brown and his wife, Sarah, of Strasburg, VA; one granddaughter, Tina Brown Jenkins and her husband, James D., of Luray, VA; five great-grandchildren, Anna, Lydia, and Hank Brown, all of Strasburg, VA; and Meghan and Brad Jenkins, both of Luray, VA, her loving nieces and many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great-nephews; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

My great grandmother was a wonderful person who had a big heart. I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to know her and I have many great memories of visiting her. During her life she had to work hard, she became the head of her family at 12 when her mother died. I cannot imagine taking charge of a household at such a young age. At 18 she married my great grandfather and became pregnant with my grandfather. Before my grandfather was born my great grandfather, Grady, died of unknown causes. SO by 19 she was caring for her brothers and sisters, my grandfather, and her grandfather all on her own. Because my grandfather never saw his father he became known as a healer. Apparently in Appalachia it was believed if a baby's father died before it was born it possessed a power to heal other children. Ladies would bring their babies for miles and miles to have my grandfather blow in the babies mouths 3 times to "cure" colic, thursh, and many other illnesses. In turn he would receive fruit, vegetables, etc. as a gift, however monetary gifts were forbidden. That is how he earned his nickname "Doc". Later in life she came to marry 2 other men who I never met, each died fairly early in life. My grandfather was her only child.

I have many fond memories of visiting Mamaw Ruby. She kept a garden and took my brother and I on walks along the river. Brad was always on her mind. Even when she forgot everyone else she always asked about my brother and reminisced about their walks on the river. She was always partial to boys, but I believe that is because she raised one of her own.

During this time I was able to stay with my aunt and uncle (really my mamaws sister and brother in law). We had a great time visiting! Time to get ready for work tomorrow. I'd like to leave off with Mamaw Ruby's favorite song:

 Precious Memories

Precious memories, unseen angels, Sent from somewhere to my soul; How they linger, ever near me, And the sacred past unfold.
Chorus Precious memories, how they linger, How they ever flood my soul; In the still ness of the midnight, Precous, sacred scenes unfold.
Precious father, loving mother, Fly across the lonely years; And old homescenes of my childhood, In fond memory appears.
Chorus Precious memories, how they linger, How they ever flood my soul; In the still ness of the midnight, Precous, sacred scenes unfold.
In the stillness of the midnight, Echoes from the past I hear; Old time singing, gladness bringing, From that lovely land somewhere.
Chorus Precious memories, how they linger, How they ever flood my soul; In the still ness of the midnight, Precous, sacred scenes unfold.
As I travel on life's pathway, Know not what the years may hold; As I ponder, hope grows fonder, Precious memories flood my soul.
Chorus Precious memories, how they linger, How they ever flood my soul; In the still ness of the midnight, Precous, sacred scenes unfold.