It is with sadness that I share news of the passing of Life Trustee Vernon Davis Grizzard Sr. last week. Mr. Grizzard made a lasting impact on Darlington and this community, and set the example of what it means to give to the greater good.
Mr. Grizzard served on the Board of Trustees during a formative time in the history of the school. During his tenure, he was a strong advocate and leader in the integration of the school and the enrollment of our first black students. He was also on the committee assigned to study co-education at Darlington and co-signed the motion that led to the merger of Darlington School and Thornwood School. Both decisions are profound moments in the history of the school and clear evidence, as his obituary says, that “His joy came from helping others lift themselves up, bettering themselves through education and life experiences. He helped people believe in themselves and asked for nothing in return except to pass it on.”
Mr. Grizzard became a Life Trustee in 1993. In my few encounters with him, I always found him generous with his time and full of both wit and wisdom. I learned, without him ever saying it, of the enormity of his and his family's impact on Darlington and Rome and Floyd County. He did not seek credit; he sought to make his community better.
His generosity and support of education has impacted so many at Darlington. He and his family established the Vernon and Gaynelle Grizzard Scholarship in 1993 to provide financial aid to young people from Rome and Floyd County who could not otherwise receive a top-quality education and the opportunity to attend Darlington School. He also supported many other scholarships and financial aid awards; many students have been able to attend Darlington because of Mr. Grizzard’s love and support.
Mr. Grizzard had four children, one of whom became chair of the Board of Trustees; five grandchildren; and now two great-grandchildren attend Darlington. While not himself an alumnus, Vernon Grizzard embodied the motto of our school in all ways, “Wisdom more than Knowledge, Service Beyond Self, and Honor Above Everything.” Darlington is fortunate to have benefited from his life well lived.
To read more about Mr. Grizzard’s life, please click here.
