Miriam Grossman Obituary

Miriam Davis Grossman, known to her friends as "Mimi," a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and wife, passed away peacefully in her home on October 2, 2021.

Mimi was born on February 20, 1946 in Louisville, Kentucky, the daughter of Faye and Simmy Davis. She entered a world filled with laughter and love alongside her older brother, Mel, and her older sister, Diane. After an athletic-filled and Judaism-centered childhood, Mimi attended University of Wisconsin, Madison, then moved to Chicago where she earned a Master's in English at DePaul University and then began teaching high school English.

Mimi married her husband, Ronald Kenneth, in 1972, and they moved from Chicago to Memphis in 1976 with their sons Robert and David. Their daughter, Lauren, was born a few years later, creating the family structure that Mimi nurtured throughout her life. Mimi was preceded in death by Ron in January 2013.

After teaching high school English, Mimi transitioned to college counseling. She guided thousands of high school students as they navigated the college admission process, first at White Station High School and then for 20 years at St. Mary's Episcopal School. In addition to counseling students and their parents, Mimi assumed countless leadership roles with the National Association of College Admissions Counselors. She similarly served on many advisory boards at universities, the National Merit Scholarship Association, and the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis.

Alongside her professional endeavors, Mimi devoted hours to her community, serving on boards with Facing History and Ourselves, Beth Sholom Synagogue, Memphis Jewish Federation, and the Memphis Jewish Community Center.

After Mimi retired from her role as Director of College Counseling at St. Mary's, she continued to do what she loved: spending time with her friends and family, running, traveling, helping others, and making the most of every moment. She was blessed to be able to do these things with her companion, Alvin Franklin, for the final 8 years of her life.

Mimi is survived by her children, Robert (Kimberly), David (Lauren), and Lauren, her grandchildren Jaryd, Ezra, and Arlo, and her siblings Diane (Jim) and Mel (Shellia), many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mimi's funeral is being held at Beth Sholom Memorial Gardens (2265 Pate Road, Memphis, TN, 38133) on Monday, October 4, at 3pm.

Gifts may be made to the Mimi Grossman Memorial Fund at the Jewish Foundation of Memphis (6560 Poplar Avenue, Germantown, TN, 38138, www.jcpmemphis.org/foundation) or the charity of the donor's choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Memphian on Oct. 4, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Miriam Grossman

5 Entries

Alana L Conner

October 24, 2021

I am sending my love, sympathy, and condolences to the Grossmans. Mrs. Grossman was a crucial figure in my life, as she was in many others'. My 9th grade CLUE-English teacher, college counselor, and Model UN advisor at White Station, Mrs. Grossman made me feel so special and capable during some difficult years. Because of her wise advice, humorous influence, and steadfast advocacy, I aimed much higher in my educational ambitions than I otherwise would have known or dared to. She also shepherded me to the NCCJ's Anytown, which ignited my lifelong pursuit of racial and social justice. I owe much of my current professional and personal happiness to her early efforts to put me on a good course, and will remain forever grateful for her counsel, love, and support.

martha boyd

October 10, 2021

Mimi welcomed our teenage sons whole heartedly to White Station HS following a difficult move across the country. She made all the difference in their resettling into a new school, city, and culture. We were and are grateful for her guidance and acceptance.

Jill Silberstein Cohen

October 9, 2021

May her memory be a blessing to you always. Sending love and strength to you all.

Jim Brinson

October 5, 2021

I am thankful for knowing Mimi during my years at St. Mary's School.

Kathleen Ann Edelmuth

October 4, 2021

Mimi was a fine neighbor and I know many St. Mary's students who benefitted from her counseling skills. Offering condolences to Alvin, another fine neighbor.

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