Jerilyn Dean Grindstaff

Jerilyn Dean Grindstaff, 79, entered into God's presence on Friday, April 19, 2024 after a battle with cancer and heart disease.

Jerilyn was born to Alvin William Meine and Glendola Alice Ellen (Cruthis) Meine on January 2, 1945 in Mexico, Missouri. She is survived by her husband, Edward Grindstaff of St. Peters, Missouri; son Brian (Angela) Grindstaff of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri; four grandchildren, John Grindstaff and Joel Grindstaff of O'Fallon, Missouri, Alyssa (Kevin) Williams of Springfield, Missouri, and Anna Grindstaff of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri; a brother, Larry (Marylin) Meine of Boonville, Missouri; a sister, Joyce (Victor) Nash of Starkville, Mississippi, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a grandson, Timothy Grindstaff; and brothers Lester Meine and Robert Meine.

Jerilyn grew up in Mexico, Missouri and graduated from high school there in 1963. Being active in church, she met her future husband at a church youth camp. They dated for six years, no doubt wanting to make sure of their decision. They were married on January 29, 1966 at First Assembly of God in Columbia, Missouri, even though the temperature was -9 degrees.

Jerilyn earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Missouri. She taught second grade at various schools, and finished her teaching career with fifth grade. Her first love was the Lord Jesus Christ, and she began teaching Sunday School as a teenager. Jerilyn always had a love for kids, and for those in need. She was a volunteer at her church's Clothing Closet for several years, as well as volunteering for over 20 years at FISH of St. Charles.

If she could tell us today, she would say, "No more chemo, no more shots, no more blood tests or heart issues. Because when you see me again, I will be better than new."

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