Betty Jean Grimes

Betty Jean Grimes, 91, of Meriden, loving wife of the late Ernest Grimes, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on July 3, 2024. She was born in Tuskegee, Alabama on September 30, 1932, a daughter of the late Murray Baker and Elizabeth Walker.

Betty moved her young family from AL to CT in 1952. She worked as a nurse’s aide at the former Royal Crest Nursing Home. She retired after 30+ years from the Napier Co in 1995.

Betty was an active member of the Fire Baptized Holiness Church. She belonged to True Vine F.B.H. Church in Portland, CT for many years before moving her membership to Antioch F.B.H. Church in New Haven, CT, where she was a faithful member until her passing. Mother Grimes loved her church and was very active. She was a District Mother, an Ambassador for Christ. She served as a Deaconess. She was also a member of the Trustee Dept., finance committee, and a Pastor’s Aid. She could be counted on to cook and work in the kitchen during conventions. She was known for her homemade banana bread.

Betty was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved her family and would give her last when needed. She was well-loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her children, Gladys Fountain and her husband Nathaniel, Ernest Grimes, Betty Louise Grimes, Dawn Lyons, David Grimes, John Wesley Grimes, Daniel Grimes and his wife Darcy, and Denise Reynolds and her husband Toney, her siblings, Murray Baker, Jr., Annie Jean Baker-Reed, Carol Jean Walker, and Lizz Walker, 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her stepfather Cesar Walker, Sr., daughter Mary Ann Grimes, brother Cesar Walker, Jr., and 2 grandsons, Nathaniel Jr. and Marcus Fountain.

A funeral service celebrating Betty’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at 11:00 A.M at Elohim Christian Center, 53 Coe Ave., Meriden, CT 06451. Friends may visit with her family from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. before the service. Interment will be held in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Meriden.