Velva A. (Benz) Grimes

Velva A. Grimes, age 98 of Pittsfield, Illinois passed away Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at Eastside Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born February 11, 1925, in Calhoun County, Illinois to W. A. (Bert) and Dosia Angelo Benz. She married Leo M. Grimes of Nebo on May 21, 1944. He preceded her in death on July 25, 1991.

After graduating from Nebo High School, she received a wartime teaching certificate and taught at Lower Gilead School near Batchtown. Later, she worked at the State Bank of Nebo.

Velva enjoyed writing and published a book about her growing-up years. She wrote poems for special occasions to honor and encourage family and friends. She shared her love of writing and reading with her Adult Literacy students.

At the time of her death, she was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Pittsfield, where she served in several positions including teaching Sunday school classes.

She is survived by daughters, Beverly (David) Dawdy of Jacksonville, IL, Wava (Jim) Riley of Vonore, TN, Zona (Stephen) Taylor of Mobile, AL, and daughter-in-law Debralou Grimes of Nebo, IL; nine grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; a sister Amelia (Floyd) Hamilton, of Lake Havasu City, AZ; and a brother, William A. (Melanie) Benz of Jefferson City, MO, and great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a son, Calvin Grimes; and sisters, Elozia Schimsa, and Veva Byrd.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 26, 2023, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with visitation being held prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to be made to Calvary Baptist Church. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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