Mary Elizabeth Grimes

Mary Elizabeth Grimes (nee’ Harris) was born May 11, 1947 in Lancaster, South Carolina to Lillie Mae Harris and Walter Hammond. She was affectionately known as ‘Boobie’, a name given to her by her first grandchild, Lauren KeCha Grimes. Mary is the 4th of 6 children. 

Mary moved to Jamaica, Queens, New York in 1961 when she was 14 years old and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Jamaica, Queens in 1965.

She was elevated to ‘Queen’ in 1967 when she married her ‘King’, Larry Grimes at Allen A.M.E. church in Jamaica, Queens. To this union two children were born, a son, Kevin in 1970 and a year later a daughter Kimyatta in 1971.

Mary began her career as a meat wrapper in 1967 at Hills Supermarket where she joined UFCW Local 342 and remained a member until her retirement. After 36 years she retired in 2003 from Pathmark Supermarkets.

In July 2006, after the passing of her beloved husband Larry, she moved to Texas to be close to her children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry, mother Lillie Mae Harris, brothers Johnnie Brown, L.C. Harris and Michael Harris.

In May of 2025 she was diagnosed with Leukemia. She entered eternal rest early on the morning of September 30, 2025.

She is survived by her son Kevin Grimes (Savoy) of Dallas, Tx; daughter Kimyatta Grimes of Dallas, Tx; Granddaughters Lauren KeCha Grimes, Saidah Grimes, and Sadirah Grimes, all of Dallas, Tx; Grandsons Korbin Grimes and Koi Grimes of Dallas; Great-grandson Oliver Grimes and great-granddaughter Anaise Grimes of Dallas, Tx; Brother Clifton Harris of Queens, New York; Sister Pastor Emma Moore of Lancaster, South Carolina and a host of other relatives and friends.

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