Esther Grinage
Esther Grinage, 95, of Washington, made her transition home to her Heavenly Father Monday, March 8, 2021, in Transitions Healthcare Facility. She was born October 17, 1925, in Pittsburgh, to the late James Thomas and Johnnie Mae Grant. She grew up in Washington and attended Trinity High School.
Mother Grinage was a “jack-of-all-trades.” She worked as a housekeeper for local families, as a custodian at United Methodist Church, and Internal Medicine doctor’s office in Washington. She was also employed by CP Industries in McKeesport during World War II working as a bomb maker.
Mother Grinage accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in the year of 1950 at the age of 25. This laid the foundation for a lifetime of service and ministry. She was an unwavering believer and lived her life as an example of God’s love. She took pride in being an active participant and contributor to her community.
Mother Grinage was a Mother of Zion in several congregations over the years: The Fountain of Life Church of Pittsburgh, The Lord’s Church of Washington, and the Legacy Church International of Washington, where she was a current member. She served as a Sunday school teacher, a ruling elder and ordained minister, and served as the assistant pastor at the Church of God in Houston. She attended and completed ministerial courses at Shiloh Bible Institute and went on to teach courses for several years thereafter.
Mother Grinage was a member of Women’s Aglow, Washington Hospital Auxiliary and Women’s Missionary Society of Church of God of Pennsylvania. She served as a member of the Salvation Army Auxiliary Board, Washington Senior Citizen’s Center Board of Directors while also serving as the president of the Bible Study Club. Whether in church or community settings, her life’s mission and passion remained the same – leading others to Christ and telling of the grace, goodness and mercy of God at any given opportunity.
Mother Grinage loved to cook and to host events in her home. She always aimed to ensure that any person who crossed over the threshold of 26 Central Avenue felt welcomed and loved. She took great pride in her numerous recipe books, and she was known for her delicious holiday meals and pound cakes. She found great joy in hosting others, providing a warm and loving atmosphere, and always strived to provide the highest level of hospitality.
Mother Grinage made every person she encountered feel special in their own unique way. Among all of these things, she also played the role of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many.
On August 15, 1949, she married the late William Morris. Through this union, she gained five stepchildren, Mamie Florence, Jean Byrom, Wilbert Morris, William Morris Jr., who preceded her in death, and Fern Johnson, who survives.
On May 26, 1973, she married the late Carl T. Grinage. Through this union she gained a stepson, Chester L. Grinage.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Johnnie Mae Grant; and brothers Daniel Thomas, James Thomas Jr., Isaac Thomas, Harrison Thomas, Booker T. Thomas, Joseph L. Thomas and George Thomas.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Thelma (Isaac) Perry Jr.; a granddaughter, Esther La’Shawne Brown; a grandson, Isaiah Perry; and a brother, William Grant. She also leaves to cherish her memory a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Also, a faithful, long-time friend, sister and prayer partner, Mama Stella Edwards.
Friends and family will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 14, in the Warco-Falvo Funeral Home Inc., Wilson at East Katherine Avenues, Washington, S. Timothy Warco, supervisor / director, Susan Falvo Warco, director, S. Timothy Warco II, director. Those attending the visitation are asked to wear a facial covering and state occupancy regulations will be adhered to. On Monday, March 15, there will be additional visitation from 10 until the 11 a.m. hour of a Home-Going Service at the Fountain of Life Church of Pittsburgh, 247 Johnston Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15207, with Pastor Allen Bennett officiating and Bishop Gerald G. Loyd as the eulogist. Interment will follow in Washington Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed at www.WarcoFalvoFuneralHome.com.