Pauline E Grier

The daughter of the late James T. and Mattie Jane Alexander, Pauline Evelyn Alexander Grier was born on September 16, 1923 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Her parents, a professional carpenter and a school teacher, demised at an early age, leaving Pauline to be reared by her grandparents, aunt and four uncles, who were more like her sisters and brothers. Pauline Alexander Grier attended the public schools of her native city and was a product of Winston Salem State University, Apex Beauty College and Apex Beauty College in Philadelphia, PA. Raised in a Christian home, she joined the First Baptist Church and was active in the junior missionary, choir, usher board and was also a youth delegate to the Baptist convention. In 1942, she married her childhood sweetheart Willie Grier Sr. (deceased) her second year in college. To this union, two children were born born Willie, jr. and Callie Diane Grier (deceased). Upon moving to Philadelphia, PA, Mrs. Grier joined the Holy Trinity Baptist Church in 1945, under the pastorate of the late Reverend Charles Roy Jones. She began to work in the church school as a Cradle Roll supervisor, Sunday School Teacher for the intermediate class, president of the Vesper Choir, as well as Church superintendent. Mrs. Grier served as the youth fellowship leader for six years in which the youth traveled to the United Nations, the White House, other educational trips and an annual trip to the shore for pleasure. Finances from these trips were also used to fund scholarships for the youth in college. Mrs. Grier serves as the Baptist Training Union Financial Secretary, President of the President's Council, as well as President of the Deacons Aide, after which she was made President Emeritus in tribute to her 37 years of service. Under her leadership, the church was gifted a gold communion set. Mrs. Grier served as Corresponding Secretary of the Senior Missionary Society, Church Secretary and Church Center Coordinator. She participated as an associate member of the Gospel Chorus and served the Congress of Christian Education banquet for 35 years at her home church, Holy Trinity Baptist Church, as well as New Central and Union Baptist Church. These banquets continue to this day. Her church outreach work continued as served as Vice president of the Pennsylvania Baptist State Women's Convention, and President of the Eastern Region Women's Convention. She also held memberships in the National Baptist Convention U.S.A., the Baptist Women's Center, the YMCA, YWCA, NAACP, the Keystone Association and the Loyal Boosters Inc. She received many accolades, including some of the highest awards - the Leola Stephen Service Award and the Religious Christian Service Award from the Pennsylvania Baptist State Convention, under the direction of Reverend James S. Hall. She was honored by many religious organizations, including the Home Mission of the Pennsylvania Baptist Convention; the Chaplain of Four Chaplains; Pennsylvania Baptist Convention; and many others, too numerous to mention. Mrs. Grier continued her church work, serving as Deaconess and Mother of the Church. A dedicated community servant, Mrs. Grier organized three Girl Scout troops, which remained active for 22 years. She was a charter member of the Woodstock Civic Association, where she served as president for 16years. The Woodstock Civic Association served the community by providing meals, food, clothing, GED classes and other resources for for the betterment of the community. She also organized a Boy Scout Troop at the Civic Association. Upon her resignation from the Civic Association, she was made President Emeritus. She continued her community work serving as the secretary for her neighborhood street. She was honored by many community and business organizations, as well as charitable organizations including the Girl Scouts, Pepsi Company and Tribunes Charity, to name a few. Always influential and drive, Mrs. Grier served as Speaker of the House; she was a member of the Sixty-Fourth Chapter of Cosmetology; and and a member of the Daughters of North Carolina. Pauline Grier and the late Willie L. Grier, Sr. were married for 68 years and were blessed to repeat their marriage vows three times during their union. She leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved and devoted son. Willie Lee Grier, Jr. daughter in-law, Ilona Grier: her grandchildren, Michael Delwin Grier (Erika) and Attorney Darnell Dionne Grier: 3 great grandchildren, Michaela, Mariah, and Maya: one great great grandchild, Kylie; two goddaughters, Jaola McNeil Walker and Christina Ferguson; and a host of nieces and nephews in Winston Salem, NC, New York, South Carolina, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. Her motto was " My gift from God is my life... my gift to God was her life.'