Miss Daphne Paul Grimsley
Miss Daphne Paul Grimsley
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Daphne Grimsley Obituary
The family will hold a private graveside service for Daphne Paul Grimsley.
Mrs. Grimsley passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Chapman Healthcare Center. She was born on January 17, 1938, to Paul Grimsley and Julia Bence Grimsley.
She is survived by her brother Andy (Lynn) Grimsley and sister, Juliette (David) Shaw.
Music was the core of Daphne's life - preforming, arranging, directing, teaching. From playing clarinet in the BRHS band to her final years as organist at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Her vocal range went from soprano to bass, and she performed with great gusto on both piano and organ. Many of her former students remember her fondly as an exacting taskmaster.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Brenda Beard
January 20, 2026
Daphne contributed to the Birmingham community in ways not mentioned. She was director of the Birmingham Civic Opera which often served Birmingham city schools with performances and information about opera not covered in most school curriculums. A blessing to many.
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Barbara Schrimscher Ashburn
January 16, 2026
I only heard of Daphne's passing a few minutes ago. My sister in Virginia sent me the obituary. Reading the other comment from a former student of Daphne's made me realize that, though we lost contact, she lived her dream and passed her talent on to very fortunate students. Our parents were friends in Alex City so Daphne and I knew each other as children and went all through school together, though she was a year behind me. Daphne was probably the most talented person I have ever known. She, Virginia Shaw and I had a trio and we even sang at a football halftime show at one time. Daphne and I were in the same church and we were in choir together and I watched and applauded how her talent grew and increased as she matured. She even made the trip here, (Madison, Georgia}to attend my mother's funeral in 2001. That was the last time I saw her. What a dear, gentle soul Daphne always was. I will cherish my memories of her and our amazing years together. In many ways, it was the best of times. Barbara Schrimscher Ashburn
Lindsey DeShazo
January 13, 2026
I was one of Ms. G's last students in Gulf Shores. I met her in 2008 at the height of my parents divorce when I joined Holy Spirit's children's choir. A few years later, I ended up learning opera from her and trained after school twice a week. I spent eleven years coming to church for choir on Sundays then coming Tuesdays and Thursdays for practice with her. Not only was she one of the most talented women I have had the pleasure of meeting, not only was she one of the best teachers I've ever had, she was like a grandmother to me. She was so incredibly important to me, someone who recognized my talent and came to love me through extended lessons and teachings. I will miss our annual Lessons and Carols. I will miss having a coffee with her after practice. I will miss her warms hugs and her bright smile. Words can't encapsulate how much I will miss this woman, there's a little less music in the world without her.
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1326 Dadeville Road, Alexander City, AL 35010
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