IDA ROUSE GRANTHAM
Sept. 11, 1932-April 30, 2011
GREENVILLE -- Ida Rouse Grantham, a Wayne County native who lived in Greenville since 1978, died April 30, 2011, at Pitt County Memorial Hospital with her family by her side. She was 78.
Mrs. Grantham was born Sept. 11, 1932, in Rosewood and was the youngest child of the late Walter A. Rouse and his wife, Jodie Mae. In 1951, she graduated from Rosewood High School, where she was courted by Carl R. Grantham. The two wed later that year and would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on Sept. 5, 2011.
After farming for two years, Mr. Grantham joined the U.S. Army in 1953, and Mrs. Grantham became a tireless military wife, supporting her husband through many tours of duty, starting with their first post in Fort Rucker, Ala., and including Augsburg, Germany. She also was a dedicated mother
and homemaker during
Mr. Grantham's combat
service in Korea and Vietnam. Mrs. Grantham was active in the Christian Officers Club, among other military organizations, and had remained a supporter of veterans' charities.
The couple settled in Greenville 33 years ago after Mr. Grantham retired from the U.S. Army. They joined The Memorial Baptist Church, where Mrs. Grantham served as a deacon, director of the Women's Missionary Union and on numerous church committees.
Mrs. Grantham was known for her quick wit and plentiful hugs. She was passionate about Carolina basketball and had been a noted player on the Rosewood High School women's basketball team. She also enjoyed yard work and looked forward to spring each year so she could nurture her beloved flowers. Mrs. Grantham supported many causes, including cancer research and the American Red Cross.
She is survived by her loving husband, Carl R. Grantham of Greenville; daughter Teresa McLawhorn of Winterville; daughter Bonnie Kennedy of Grimesland and husband Ken; son Carl R. Grantham Jr. of Winston-Salem and wife Allison; daughter Loretta Grantham of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and husband Derek Marcy; granddaughter Ashlie Woodlief of Winterville and husband Scott; grandson Taylor McLawhorn of Oklahoma City, Okla.; granddaughter Brandy Vazquez of Charlotte and husband Omar; granddaughter Amy Sullivan of Auburn, Ala., and husband Ryan; grandson Carl R. Grantham III of Winston-Salem; seven great-grandchildren; and a sister, Agnes Davis of Kinston.
She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Debra Jean Grantham, and a brother, James Rouse.
Mrs. Grantham's life was celebrated at a service May 4, 2011, at The Memorial Baptist Church. She was laid to rest that afternoon at Wayne Memorial Park in Goldsboro.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross, 601-F Country Club Drive, Greenville, N.C. 27834.
Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on May 8, 2011 11:17 AM