JoNell Grider

JoNell Thomas Grider, 76, passed away July 6, 2016. Ms. Grider was born on December 13, 1939 in Farrar, Texas to Marion Little Thomas and Essie Wells Thomas. She lived in Lewisville for 42 years, but called Mexia her home. Ms. Grider was an accounts payable clerk for the majority of her career, retiring from Michaels Stores in 2004 to care for her ailing mother. She also worked for Lewisville Independent School District, Professional Microfilming as a supervisor, and at Calvary Baptist Church, where she was also a member. While faithful to serve the church wherever needed, chairman of the bereavement committee was truly close to her heart; serving meals to families on the day of their loved one’s funeral was her most gratifying ministry. Ms. Grider worked in high school as a soda fountain jerk at White and Gillespie Drug Store where she met a customer who became her husband of 44 years, Allen Grider. Ms. Grider’s passions were her family, pictures, giving to anyone and everyone she met, and making sure no one’s birthday or anniversary was ever forgotten. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Essie Thomas and her husband, Allen Grider. Ms. Grider was a beloved sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She is survived by her sister, Estelle Kegans, daughters and spouses Pamela & Gary Williams and Melanie & George Allen; grandchildren and spouses Chris & Valerie Williams, Derek & Sarah Groves, Chad & Amber Williams, Rachel & John Krebs, Mitchell Williams, and Alex Allen; great grandchildren Lukas Williams, Cooper Williams, Camrie Williams, Maley Groves, Cayson Williams, Kyndall Williams and many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be 5-6 p.m. on July 8, 2016 at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be 10-11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Calvary Baptist Church. Rev. Shane Norcross will officiate, with interment to follow in the Mexia Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chris Williams, Derek Groves, Chad Williams, Mitchell Williams, Alex Allen, Gary Williams, George Allen, Jonathan Harris and Chris Workman. Honorary pallbearers will be Eddie Chrisner, Guy Crawford, III, Michael Ponthieus, Pete Willis, Holloway Martin and Robert Carson. The family would appreciate donations be made to Providence Hospice, 107 E. Commerce Street, Mexia, TX 76667.