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Jefferson Grigsby Obituary
renowned artist and Professor Emeritus of Art Education at Arizona State University, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2013, at the age of 94. He was a resident of Phoenix for 46 years. A painter and premier art educator, Grigsby's passion was teaching. He lectured and researched the links between Native American, African and African American art. Born on October 17, 1918, in Greensboro, NC, to the late Jefferson Eugene Grigsby, Sr., and the late Purry Dixon Grigsby, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Thomasena, in 2008. A veteran of WWII, Dr. Grigsby served honorably under General George Patton. He earned degrees from Morehouse College (BA), Ohio State University (MA), and New York University (PhD). His remarkable career included: Founder and Chair of the Art Department at the segregated Carver High School (1946-1954) and Chair of the Art Department, Phoenix Union High School (1954-1966). Beginning in 1966, Dr. Grigsby served as professor in the School of Art at Arizona State University and remained in that capacity for 22 years. In 1977, he authored the book, "Art and Ethnics". A tireless advocate for community arts, Grigsby founded the Consortium of Black Organizations and Others for the Arts (COBA) and chaired the Artists of the Black Community/AZ. He served on the boards of the Phoenix OIC and as President of the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center until his death. In 1958, Grigsby was one of six American artists selected by the Museum of Modern Art to teach at the World's Fair in Brussels and in 1966, was awarded the National Gallery of Art's 25th Anniversary Medallion of Merit. He was a recipient of numerous other awards and commendations and his works can be seen in private and public collections around the world. Dr. Grigsby is survived by two sons, Eugene, III (Sharon) and Marshall (Harriet); a sister, Miriam Grigsby Bates; and a brother, Marvin, both of Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren: J Eugene "Jeff", IV, Jenna, Kimberly and Michelle; and two great grandchildren. The family encourages anyone wanting to learn more about Dr. Grigsby's remarkable career and legacy to visit www.eugenegrigsbyart.comA memorial service is being planned for October, 2013. Memorial contributions may be made to the Booker T. Washington Child Development Center.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jefferson Grigsby
Pauly Fae Gibson
January 11, 2022
My sincerest condolences. I was lucky to have Dr. Grigsby as my art teacher while I was a student at Phoenix Union High School my junior year. He was a wonderful teacher. I learned a lot in his classes. I never knew at the time that he was actually quite famous. He was just my favorite teacher as far as I was concerned. I'm so glad I met him. I miss him still.
William E. Harris, Ph.D.
July 15, 2013
I learned about Dr. "G" from the books by Dr. Samella Lewis and my professors at NCCU in 1972. He caught my eye because he was an artist, printmaker, and art educator. I met him in 1978 at the NAEA convention in Houston.
I proudly viewed him as a mentor, friend, father figure, fellow artist, scholar, multicultural strategist and a global thinking human being with ties to the Harlem Renaissance. He was a man among men. Doc loved his wife, Tommie, both sons Eugene III and Marshall, all of their grandchildren and a host of other family members. My wife, Tari and I were always honored to spend any time with Doc. He had truly traveled to and experienced much of this world. We deeply loved him and are relieved that he has joined Mrs. G for a well deserved rest.
Bill & Tari Harris
Gina Holt
June 20, 2013
I was lucky enough to meet you and your lovely wife Thomasena though Central Phx Adult Day Health care. What accomplished and beautiful souls you both were. My sincerely condolences to your family.
mike shelton
June 17, 2013
It was my pleasure to meet him at KAET-TV. I didn't produce any progamming with him, but he carried amazing grace and knowledge.
Barbara Frederick-Byrne
June 17, 2013
My mentor for 26 student teachers. Had him as an instructor and collegue.
He will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Thomas & Marie Piller
June 17, 2013
To The Family of Brother Dr. J. Eugene Grigsby -
As you share your stories and memories of how he lived his wonderful life and how much he meant to you, may you also know the sympathy that is felt for you and your family by me and my wife. He will be sorely missed by us and the Brothers of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. May he rest in peace knowing that we will see him again in Gods Glory.
June 16, 2013
America's greatest living AfroAmerican artist( until his death) will be missed because of his talent and humanity. At The U.U. Congregation of Phoenix we hope to cherish his memory by continuing to show his art. George C. Davis, III A Phi A
Mary R
June 16, 2013
Mr. Grigsby I want to tell you how honored I was to meet you and Thomasena. I never forgot you, Thomasena, the hallway art gallery or the room stacked full of your beautiful paintings. When I first met you and walked down your hallway art gallery in amazement, I got a little worried that I was lingering so I hurried, just a little, because the art was to incredible to rush by. And around the corner I met this sweet elderly man who proudly told me those were his paintings, I was in awe. Then I had the privileged to hear your fascinating life story, I soaked it all up in wonder and never forgot it. Then your grandson showed me your room full of paintings. He kept pulling one out after another to show me and I wondered why these exquisite works of art were sitting in a back room and not in a Gallery where they belonged. When I left I felt so blessed to have met you and Thomasena and to personally view your wonderful paintings.
I saw you and Thomasena only a couple more times after that but I followed every newspaper article I found and honor that was bestowed on you. I saw Thomasenas obit a few years later and wondered how you were doing. Then a few years after she died I saw you being honored on a channel 8 art special, you were in a wheelchair all smiles and happy and I thought about how deserving but long over due the honor was for someone a great as you. Mr. Grigsby, I feel privileged to have met such a talented artist and kind person and your intriguing life story and magnificent paintings have left a lasting impression on me and I thank you.
June 16, 2013
Offering sincere condolences. May your family find comfort in Psalms 65:2
Professor Linda Homman
June 16, 2013
Dr. Grigsby I was never a legitimate student of yours but on cold mornings before school at PU you gave me a safe and warm place to get out of the weather by allowing me to come into your classroom. Lots of kids came there to hang out before school. It was a bright and comfortable place to be. I may not have been able to draw a straight line with a ruler then, but I believe my love for painting comes from those mornings. Rest in Peace kind soul.
June 16, 2013
Gene, I remember you and Thomasena coming into the Phoenix Arts Commission offices when I worked there. You were both very kind, classy, and progressive-thinkers. The arts world will miss both of you but I am glad you have been reunited - Mare
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