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Dolores W. Grimstead

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Kempsville High School Norview High School Oscar Smith High School College of William and Mary Longwood University

Dolores Grimstead Obituary

Name: Funeral service for Dolores W. Grimstead
Start: 2019-06-08T14:00:00.000Z
Location: Church of the Epiphany

Dolores W. Grimstead passed away peacefully on May 6, 2019 with her children at her side. She was predeceased by her husband Lloyd.A lifelong Norfolk resident, Dolores graduated from Norview High School, earned an undergraduate degree from Longwood University and a Masterâ€™s Degree from the College of William and Mary. She began her career at Oscar Smith High School and completed it at Kempsville High School, teaching United States History. She sponsored numerous activities, including cheerleading, senior class, and yearbook. She also served as a mentor to many new teachers, providing guidance, a nonjudgmental ear, and lots of laughter. Dolores was active in her church, having served on the vestry and as an acolyte, lay chalicer, lay Eucharistic minister, and lay reader.She is survived by her children Lisa Kopacz and husband Steve, Tina Rider and husband Tim, her daughter-in-law Doreen Kopacz, and her grandchildren Sara and Jake Rider, and Alicia Meenan. Also surviving are her sisters Velma DePowell (Andy), Karen Liles (Lewis), and Judy Jugan. She was dearly loved by her family and friends.A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at 10 AM at the Church of the Epiphany, 1530 Lafayette Blvd, Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church of the Epiphany Memorial Fund.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Jun. 2, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Dolores Grimstead

Sponsored by the family.

15 Entries

Judi Evans McArthur, Oscar Smith Class of 1966

March 7, 2022

I remember Mrs. Grimstead very well from my student years at Oscar Smith, and I enjoyed her history class. My most vivid memory is walking into her 6th bell class the day John Kennedy was killed; her somber demenor taught us all something that day without her saying a work. We sat in silence that day, watching the tv news reports. She will be missed.

Lynda Ramsay

July 7, 2020

I was the daughter of a teacher. They have a network like no other. Which meant during my time at Kempsville high school everything I did was reported back to my mother in someway. During my junior summer right before school started, I got mono I didnt know it was mono until three days into the school year at which point of course they sent me home for six weeks. Mrs. Grimstead brought my work and laughingly told my mother that she knew no good would come for me kissing boys in the hallway. I was mortified. She was an amazing teacher. She was dedicated, and she was truthful when she knew you needed the truth. But the absolute best was for humor. She didnt take her self too seriously and she definitely wouldnt let you take yourself too seriously. I learned history in her class but more than that I learned humanity

William Mihm

Sent Flowers

June 5, 2019

Losing someone that we love never comes easy.
It is truly heartbreaking. May God's promises in
Isaiah 65:17 comfort and help you.

June 5, 2019

I had her for history at Oscar Smith and I truly loved her. She really helped me come out of my shell and for that I will be forever grateful.

I am sorry for your loss.

Lana Hopkins Kitchens.
OFS Class of 1965

Kevin Roache

June 4, 2019

A great teacher! I enjoyed every day in her class. Thank you Ms Grimstead and peace be upon you.

Kevin Roache
Kempsville High Class of '92

Hew Stith

June 3, 2019

I knew Dolores when we were in high school and she was knows as "Peanuts." She was a leader in our journalism program and an inspiration for many. At one point we were both working at the old Ledger-Dispatch and I was assigned to interview someone I had never heard of (although he was a candidate for lieutenant governor). I called her for help and in about 10 minutes she called back with a complete resume for me. Such kindnesses are not forgotten.

Shawn Bryant Pearce

June 3, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs Grimstead taught me history at Kempsville High School in 1977 and my favorite teacher at Kempsville . I will miss her & her big smile.

Mandi Wolfes

June 3, 2019

While I never met Mrs. Grimstead, she was obviously an amazing and beautiful Mother to have shaped and raised her daughter Tina into the wonderful woman and friend that she is. Sending my love and support to her family and community as you navigate the waters of grief and an altered life lens with her spirit and memories by your side.

Billy COONS

June 3, 2019

Great Lady, one of the few that I remember and have thought of over the MANY years. RIP

Melinda Phelps Horstman

June 2, 2019

I will never forget the first time she called my name in her class She looked at me as if in disbelief Like she had seen a ghost. Seems it had been about 20 yrs since she had seen a face that I resembled.As it was she had taught my mother at Oscar Smith High.After I graduated from Kempsville I took my first born son to see her shortly after he was born She had him in her arms and went done the hallway exclaiming "I thought his grandmother and his mother And I will probably teach him. She let my mom know sometime later she was retiring before he was of age for her to teach him. She was so proud that day.It was an honor to have Mrs Grimstead as my teacher in Kempsville High. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family in this time of sorrow. She will be truly missed.

Belinda Miner

June 2, 2019

She certainly was loved. Mike and I adored her and will always have fond memories of Thanksgiving, going to plays, and being visited by her and Lisa in Dunlap, TN.

Tammie Wright (werbiskis)

June 2, 2019

Loved her. One of the few teachers that held my interest in History class. :-( She had a great sense of humor and had all her students engaged. One of the good ones.

Mary Beth Dally-Wooden

June 2, 2019

So sorry to hear about Dolores. She was long time friends with my Mother (

Beckie Postel-Norway

June 2, 2019

I will never forget Mrs. Grimstead. She was my history teacher at Kempsville. Wonderful teacher and human being! Prayers are with her family

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