Mrs. Leanna Elizabeth Grimes

Our beloved Mother, Sister, and Grandmother went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 28, 2017. Mrs. Leanna Elizabeth Grimes (“Payne”) was born June 25, 1924 in Altheimer, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Henry and Leonia Walker Jr., and was one of 13 children. Leanna was married to Mr. Marshall P. Grimes and together they had a total of nine children. Leanna accepted the Lord as her Savior and was baptized at an early age. Leanna and Marshall raised their children in a Christian home. Leanna was a faithful and long-time member of Bethesda Baptist Church for over 60 years under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Nick Hall and Pastor Gregory Johnson. Leanna served in many capacities including the Gospel Choir and the Mothers and Mission Board. She loved attending all services. She especially loved her Sunday School Teachers, the late Brother Louis Mitchell and Sister Earline Smithers. Leanna loved singing congregational songs and one of her favorite songs was, “O, How I Love Jesus”. Leanna began her career working in multiple jobs, but finally secured the one that she loved as a cashier for Prophet Foods Company located within Saginaw Steering Gear. She stayed in this position for over 20 years until her retirement. Leanna received her high school diploma when she was in her fifties from Ruben Daniels Community School. She stated, “I want my diploma and will not accept a GED!” This showed her commitment to education. Our mother was devoted to her husband and children. She was an exceptional cook, and avid gardener, supplying many families in need with her produce. Leanna was known for her fried chicken and when asked how she made her chicken so good, she would say, “I seasoned that chicken to the bone”. Leanna had many hobbies and interests, including playing cards, sewing, quilting, dancing to gospel and soul music, and walking. In the summer months, Leanna and Marshall enjoyed traveling especially to Detroit, Chicago, and Arkansas to visit family. Leanna truly loved her mother and siblings, which prompted the frequent trips to their homes and to her birth home in Arkansas. These trips helped to strengthen our deep family ties. Leanna leaves to cherish her precious memories, five daughters, and three sons, Johnny Walker (Chicago, IL); Harvey Cage (Las Vegas, NV); Harold Cage (Saginaw, MI); Rose (Von) Nickleberry (Saginaw, MI); Bobbie (John) Ray (Apple Valley, MN); Debra (Wayne) Meekins (Saginaw, MI); Carol (Femi) Odeleye (Ypsilanti, MI); Veletta (Leo) Cummings (Conway, AR). She also leaves her youngest brother, Alvin Walker (Frankie); her sisters-in-law, Doris (Charles) Walker and Velma (Aaron, Sr.) Walker; 32 grandchildren; 60 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Leanna was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Marshall P. Grimes; son, Earl Cage; parents, Henry and Leonia Walker; and all but one sibling. The family would like to express special thanks to Saginaw St. Mary’s Day Program, her caregivers; Mrs. Mary Carpenter (Saginaw, MI); Ms. Roxanne Heard and Ms. Enochio Taylor (St. Paul, MN); Spirit of Truth Church Family (Burnsville, MN), the Las Vegas Connection and especially to her Bethesda Baptist Church family. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Bethesda Baptist Church, 2511 Wadsworth Avenue with funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Gregory Johnson will officiate with entombment in Oakwood Memorial Mausoleum, 5950 Gratiot Road Saginaw, Michigan 48638. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, MI 48607 on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Mrs. Leanna Elizabeth Grimes

June 25, 1924 - September 28, 2017