Dolores Irene Grinstead

Dolores Chewning Grinstead, age 88, went to be with Christ, her Savior, on the morning of December 23, 2024, after a long illness.

A seventh generation Floridian, born and raised in Steinhatchee, Florida, Dolores was the daughter of Wilmer Vernon Chewning and Mary Shaw Brown. Her godparents, Hardy and Nancy Durden, helped care for her as a toddler. Dolores prayed there was a special reward in heaven for this dear couple.

Dolores was married to James Wynton Grinstead for 66 years, until his death in 2021. They moved to Dothan in 1975. She attended college in Columbus, Georgia and worked for 25 years for physician practices. She retired after 21 years with ENT in Dothan.

Predeceased by her husband, parents, and grandson, Townsend Thomas; her brother and 2 sisters, Anthony Chewning, Beverly Troutman, and Cheryl Miller also went before her. She is survived by her devoted daughters, Dana Eidson (Michael), Kim Drake (Joe), and Amy Thomas (Tim). Her legacy includes 14 grandchildren: Matt (Patti) Grinstead, Ross (Kasey) Eidson, Madeline (Judson) Buchanan, Allison (Jeremy) Benton, Joseph (Allison) Drake, Wesley (Leah) Drake, Dr. Ben (Rebecca) Drake, Davis (Eden) Drake, Joanna Drake, Katie Drake, James Drake, Tim Thomas, Jr., Taylor (Eric) Thomas, and Susannah (Adam) McCord. The family tree Dolores cherished so deeply has grown to include 24 great-grandchildren, with another on the way, each of whom will carry a piece of her heart and spirit.

She is also remembered by her sisters, Sue Hall and Ginger Raethka, her sister-in-law Sybil Webb, and numerous nieces and nephews who all held a special place in her life. A special thank you is extended to Shayla Reeves, who was not only a caregiver but also a dear friend to Dolores.

Dolores was a member of the Ridgecrest Baptist Church of Dothan. She accepted Christ at an early age while attending a Baptist retreat at Ridgecrest, North Carolina. Those who loved her are comforted by her belief that she would have eternal life with the Lord.

A graveside service to honor Dolores's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 28, 2024, in Sunset Memorial Park with Pastor Chuck Locke officiating.