Betty Jean Grinage
Warning: getimagesize(): Filename cannot be empty in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 139
Warning: Division by zero in /usr/web/cs-washington.ogdennews.com/wp-content/themes/News_Core_2023_WashCluster/includes/single/strategically_placed_photos_article.php on line 142
Betty Jean Grinage departed this life Saturday, February 17, 2018, to join her Lord and Savior.
She was born in Washington, November 26, 1932, to the late Mary Irene Mills and Harley Calvin Ponzo. She attended Hays Avenue Elementary and graduated from Trinity High School. She was a loving and devoted mother to her daughter, Kathleen and her son, Carl. She was a faithful servant of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving as a member of the usher board and missionary society and teaching children in Sunday school.
Her employment started as a dishwasher for Isaly’s Restaurant. Next, she was a receptionist at Clark School. As a receptionist for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People / Community Action Program, she assisted Washington youth with acquiring summer employment. At the Washington County Housing Authority, she processed Section 8 vouchers and issued rent payments to landlords. She retired as a factory worker for RCA/Tac-Tec.
Her love for children led her to volunteer 18 years as a foster grandparent for Washington Elementary Head Start. She was a grandmother to many. For her efforts in making children feel loved and safe, to be creative and have fun, she received The Director’s Award as a Community Champion in October 2007.
She volunteered at LeMoyne Community Center. She disbursed food monthly from the food bank and assisted the youth in summer camp. She also volunteered at Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal’s weekly Feeding Program in Richmond, Va.
Deceased are her husband, Carl Grinage Sr.; brothers and sisters Irene (Hamilton) Ponzo, Walter Ponzo, John Ponzo, Rozella Brown, Harley Ponzo, Robert Ponzo and Edith Ponzo.
Her memory will be cherished by her devoted children, Kathleen (Brian) Spearman and Carl (Monica) Grinage; brother Kenneth Ponzo; three sisters, Emma Murrell, Pauline Williams and Gloria Ponzo; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She walked with a gentle quiet spirit. She enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren, singing, shopping, attending church, jazz festivals and concerts.
Friends will be received from 12 to 1 p.m., the hour of services, Saturday, February 24, in St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 16 Ridge Avenue, Washington, PA 15301 with the Reverends Oliver Tyler and Aquanetta Osborne officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Garden, McMurray. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Condolences may be expressed at www.piattandbarnhillfh.com. Piatt and Barnhill Funeral Directors Inc., Charles R. Piatt, owner/supervisor.