Jerilynn Timmons Grigsby

Richmond - Jerilynn Timmons Grigsby, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who was devoted to her family and community, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Robert Worthington Grigsby, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership.

Jerri is lovingly remembered by her three children: Martha Grigsby Rhodes, Joseph Timmons Grigsby, and Dorothy Grigsby Saunders (Craig). Her six grandchildren-Joseph Grigsby Rhodes (Kayla), Ruby Phoenix Rhodes, Emily Rose Grigsby, Caroline Campbell Grigsby, Clive Worthington Saunders, and David Timmons Saunders-were the light of her life and brought her immeasurable joy. Jerri was born on February 4, 1942, and raised in Dagsboro, Delaware by her parents Martha Brubaker Timmons and Gerald Alvin Timmons. She is survived by her siblings Susan Timmons DuPont and Timothy Alvin Timmons; her nephew John Paul Owens (Stasia); and her extended family fondly referred to as the "Brubaker Clan," descendants of her maternal grandparents Sem and Bertha Brubaker of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Jerri had boundless enthusiasm for leading a fun-filled life and gifted us with many fond memories of snow day cookouts, family gatherings, historical outings, and beach trips. She was a wonderful cook and relished entertaining friends and family for the holidays, especially at Christmas. She was a prolific shopper, collecting and filling her home with beautiful things, and was a known authority on a proper table setting and the rules of etiquette. She enjoyed gardening, was a voracious reader, and she loved traveling the world, starting at age 20 with an independent trip to England to meet her childhood penpal.

She embraced Republican politics at age 15 as a member of the "Eisenhower Bandwagon" and remained a passionate supporter of conservative causes throughout her life. She was a founding member of the Tuckahoe Republican Woman's Club, serving several terms as President. She was an active volunteer for numerous Republican candidates in all levels of government, and she served on the Inaugural Committees for Virginia Governors George T. Allen and James S. Gilmore. She especially treasured her years working in the State Capitol for Governor Gilmore, who also appointed her to several state boards. She had such fun working alongside her younger colleagues at the startup newspaper, The Richmond State, where she served as Advertising Director. She was an engaged mother and a "friend-favorite," serving as Girl Scout leader, substitute teacher for Henrico County Schools, and Beach Week chaperone.

Known for her organizational skills and high energy, her civic and community volunteer activities were numerous, including serving on the Department of Social Services Board and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee of Henrico County. She volunteered for and supported many local organizations including Historic Richmond Foundation, Massey Cancer Center, American Cancer Society, Museum of the Confederacy, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. She was a member of The Woman's Club, The Tuckahoe Woman's Club, and the Commonwealth Club. She was a member of River Road Church, Baptist and adored her fellow Joyful Hearts Ladies.

Jerri was a graduate of John M. Clayton High School in Dagsboro, Delaware, and attended Richmond Professional Institute.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, at 10 a.m. at River Road Church, Baptist, 8000 River Road in Richmond, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Historic Richmond Foundation, Henrico County Social Services, or the charity of your choice.