Cal M. Grigsby

There are some lives that are remembered not simply by the years they lived, but by the strength they displayed, the love they shared, the prayers they prayed, and the lasting impression they left upon others. Cal Marie Perry Grigsby, lovingly known to her family as “Nana,” lived such a life.

Cal Marie was born on October 19, 1943, in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, to the late Reverend Patrick M. Perry and Beatrice Jones Perry. From her earliest years, she was surrounded by the values of faith, family, hard work, and service—principles that would remain at the center of her life.

She pursued her education at Shorter College in North Little Rock, Arkansas, where she earned an Associate Degree. Cal Marie possessed a strong sense of independence, determination, and service that carried her into a distinguished professional career.

Answering the call to serve her country, Cal Marie proudly served eight years in the United States Air Force. Her commitment to public service continued long after her military career. She served as a Deputy Sheriff in Alameda County, California, a Welfare Fraud Investigator for the City of Oakland, California, and later as a Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Stockton, California. Throughout her career, she demonstrated courage, discipline, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to doing her job well.

Although accomplished professionally, Cal Marie’s greatest treasures were her faith and family.

Her Christian journey included faithful service at St. Paul AME Church and Greater Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. She loved the church deeply and never hesitated to serve wherever she was needed. For Cal Marie, church membership was more than occupying a pew; it was about supporting the mission, serving others, and living out her faith. Her prayers became a source of encouragement and strength for those around her, particularly her family.

Cal Marie was humorous, fiercely independent, spunky, and blessed with a genuinely kind heart. She could make you laugh, tell you exactly what she thought, and still leave you knowing that you were loved. She was an amazing cook whose food brought family and friends together and created countless memories around the table.

In her quiet moments, Cal Marie enjoyed reading and putting together jigsaw puzzles. She also loved fishing and, without question, shopping.

And when Cal Marie stepped out, she stepped out in style.

She was always dressed to a tee, complete with a designer handbag and shoes to match. She took great pride in looking her best and carried herself with class, grace, confidence, and style wherever she went. Her outward elegance beautifully complemented the strength and character she possessed within.

Cal Marie never had children of her own, but the love she poured into her family earned her one of her most cherished titles—“Nana.” Her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews occupied a special place in her heart, and she loved them deeply. Her wisdom, encouragement, presence, and prayers became gifts that will remain with them for generations.

On Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Cal Marie completed her earthly journey at the age of 82. She was preceded in death by her parents, Reverend Patrick M. Perry and Beatrice Jones Perry; her nephew, Kerry Tims; and her beloved aunts, Effie Jones and Lillie Wilson.

Her beautiful life and precious memories will forever be cherished by her sister, Bettye Tims; her nieces and nephews, Renee Howard, Patrice Gardner, Patrick Tims, and Jason Tims; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Rycia Howard, Zakary Gardner, Myles Howard, and Kameron Gardner; along with her church family, extended family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her journey.

Those who knew Cal Marie will remember many things: her humor, her independence, her impeccable style, her wonderful cooking, her wisdom, and her devotion to her church. But perhaps most treasured will be the memory of her prayers.

She prayed for the people she loved. Her faith strengthened her through life’s changing seasons, and she willingly shared that strength with others. Though her voice may now be silent, the prayers she prayed, the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the faith she demonstrated will continue speaking through the lives of those she leaves behind.

Cal Marie lived with strength.

She served with dedication.

She dressed with style.

She loved with sincerity.

And she prayed with faith.

Her family and friends will dearly miss their beloved Nana, but they will forever be grateful for the remarkable woman she was and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.