It is with sadness that I share with you news of the passing of Life Trustee Gaynelle Grizzard. Mrs. Grizzard’s impact on Darlington and the broader community is significant.
Mrs. Grizzard served on the Darlington Board of Trustees soon after Darlington became co-educational. As a parent and community leader, her voice was important in building the culture of an integrated, co-educational boarding and day school in Rome, Georgia. One example of the power of her voice came with her selection to the search committee to select Darlington’s new president in 1978. That process led to the hiring of Jim McCallie. Soon after McCallie’s arrival at Darlington, Mrs. Grizzard was asked to serve on his first Long-Range Planning Committee. In 1996, in recognition of her service to the school Gaynelle Grizzard was named Life Trustee.
Mrs. Grizzard and her late husband, Vernon Grizzard Sr., built a remarkable and impactful family business in Rome. As noted in her obituary, her life was marked by compassion, generosity, determination, and a deep commitment to her community. The countless lives she touched stand as a testament to her character and the love she so freely gave. Her legacy will continue through the many people and institutions she influenced for the better.
Without question, Darlington is one of those institutions. In all of my visits with Gaynelle, I was reminded of the importance of being proud of your family, always thinking of others first, and to never stop trying to get, or be, a little bit better. She was a difference-maker.
We are grateful for Mr. and Mrs. Grizzard and the legacy of their philanthropic support over many years. They supported The Darlington Fund, contributed to many campaigns that have strengthened the school, and Mrs. Grizzard most recently supported the Ever Forward Campaign. Her belief in Darlington’s mission was shown through her leadership and through her support.
Mr. and Mrs. Grizzard and their 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. They also supported many other scholarships and financial aid awards; many students have been able to attend Darlington because of Mr. and Mrs. Grizzard’s love and support.
Mrs. Grizzard had four children, one of whom became chair of the Board of Trustees; five grandchildren; and now two great-grandchildren attend Darlington. Darlington is better for having shared the life of this good and faithful servant.
To read more about Gaynelle Grizzard’s life, please click here.
