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Vanessa Grill Obituary
May 27, 1952 - June 9, 2025
Vanessa Benfield Grill, 73, of 305 Alpine Dr. NW, Valdese, NC passed away on June 9, 2025, after a three-year battle with cancer.
Vanessa was born May 27, 1952, at Valdese General Hospital, to B.W. Benfield and Clara Watson Benfield. She attended primary and elementary school at Rutherford College and grew up attending Abernethy Memorial United Methodist Church where she was very active. Vanessa graduated from Valdese High School in 1970. After graduation from high school, she attended Western Piedmont Community College for two years. She transferred to UNC in 1972 and graduated in 1974 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Vanessa and Frank Grill were married in 1974 and lived at their current home since 1977.
After graduation from Carolina, Vanessa taught elementary education in the Burke County School system for approximately 25 years. In addition to her elementary education career, Vanessa had a special love and compassion for the elderly. After her retirement from teaching, she served for several years as Service Coordinator at Agape Retirement Home in Valdese where she continued her compassionate care for the elderly.
After her marriage, Vanessa joined Waldensian Presbyterian Church where she quickly became a member of the Chancel Choir. She also served on various church committees and was an officer in her church. But the choir was her "calling" to which she devoted over 50 years of service.
Vanessa had a deep love for family and dogs (of any kind). During their marriage, she and Frank were co-habitants of a home with an Old English Sheepdog and four golden retrievers.
Vanessa was preceded in death by her father and mother; a brother, Bobby Benfield; and a sister, Gwen Huffman.
Survivors include her husband, Frank; sister, Elaine Shook; and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving is golden retriever, Max.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery, with Revs. Matt and Rachel Matthews officiating.
A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, with visitation to follow in Pioneer Hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Waldensian Presbyterian Church (Music Ministry Fund), 109 Main St. East, Valdese, NC 29690; or to Amorem, 902 Kirkwood St., NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
An online guestbook is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory of Valdese is assisting the Grill family.
Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory
1507 Main St. E. Valdese, NC 28690
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Memories and Condolences
for Vanessa Grill
Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory - Valdese.
2 Entries
Marcia Waters
June 13, 2025
vanessa was a very kind and caring person.she will be missed and always in my thoughts and memories
Linda Pattin
June 13, 2025
My sweet friend, we have shared many secrets, lesson plans, and food! I still can´t figure out why you peeled grapes! So sorry I didn´t realize u were sick. To Frank and Elaine- she was such a good friend. I watched her grow into a powerful caring teacher. I was so amazed and proud when you gave up teaching to take care of ur dad! Until we meet again, Linda Patton
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