Lolita Grimsley French

Lolita G. French 77, of the 3200 Block of Riveredge Drive, died July 1, 2005 at home. Born in Florence, SC., she was the daughter of the late Ernest E. Grimsley and Cleo Mills Grimsley. Mrs. French worked for the U. S. Government at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in the Payroll Section of the Comptroller Dept., then as Executive Secretary to the Repair Officer in the Production Dept., retiring as Support Services Supervisor in the Supply Dept., after 35 years of service. She was a Real Estate Sales Associate with Higgins Realty for 30 years. She was a member of Monumental United Methodist Church since she was 9 years old. Mrs. French was a devoted wife and mother. She was a lovely lady who cared deeply for her family and friends and who had a wonderful sense of humor. Mrs. French was committed to excellence and was keenly interested in her community and the contributions she made through the various organizations she served. Mrs. French was a member of Chapter #3 of the Federal Managers Association, member of the Woman?s Club of Portsmouth, a member of Elizabeth Manor Golf and County Club, former member of Portsmouth Executive Club and former board member of Portsmouth Community Concert Association. She was also a proud member of the Royal Order of Jesterettes, NOSAM IVE #8, chartered in Portsmouth, Va. After her family, Mrs. French took great pride and delight in the work she did for the ?World?s Greatest Philanthropy?, the Shriner?s Hospitals for Children. Mrs. French was a member of Zulekia Court #35 and was High Priestess of the Court in 1995 and 1996. She was also a member of the Pageantry Unit of Zulekia Court, a dancing Unit which performed at Unit Meets, Conventions, Court meetings, parades, and various other official functions. Mrs. French was a member of the Golden Wive?s Club which is affiliated with her husband?s Legion of Honor Unit in the Khedive Temple. Mrs. French was a member of the Scottish Rite Ladies of Portsmouth, VA., a member and Past President of the Portsmouth Ladies Shrine Club and a member of the Tidewater Board of Realtors. Mrs. French was a student of Psychology at Old Dominion University. Mrs. French was a member of Beazley Senior Citizens organization. She enjoyed bridge, traveling, and fashions and she modeled from time to time for various organizations and businesses. She is predeceased by her loving husband, S. Gordon French, retired from the U.S. Navy and a retired Real Estate Broker. She is survived by her three sons, Col. Stephen Grimsley Trent, US Army Ret. and ex-daughter-in-law Gerri Adams, Gordon Lee French, Brian Edward French and daughter-in-law Dorothy M. French., and three grandchildren, Rebecca A. Trent, Adam G. Trent and Christopher Gordon French. A funeral will be conducted at 2 PM at Monumental United Methodist Church, Portsmouth, VA, on Tuesday, July 5, 2005 by the Rev. Louis Strickler of Monumental Church and Dr. Franklin Gillis. A Ladies Oriental Shrine Service will also be conducted. The family will receive friends at the Loving Funeral Home from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Sunday, July 3, 2005. Burial will be at Olive Branch Cemetery in Portsmouth immediately after the church service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ZULEKIA COURT #35 at 1032 Windswept Circle, Chesapeake, VA 23320-5006, or to Monumental United Methodist Church, 450 Dinwiddie Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704.

Lolita Grimsley French

November 24, 1927 - July 1, 2005