Stephanie Lueida Patillo-Grimes died January 11, 2023 at the age of 56.
She was born on September 20, 1966 in Somerville, New Jersey to the late Austin Patillo and the late Betty-Jean Brown.
She graduated from Franklin High School in Somerville and attended Clayton State College in Georgia. She married the love of her life, Albert L. Grimes Jr., on November 30th, 1984, and to this union four children were born. She loved the Lord and was serious about her obedience to Him. Whenever she knew she had something to do, you could hear her say, "I have to be obedient!" She was a God-fearing selfless servant.
She loved the Army life! After leaving California in 2009, the Grimes family was relocated to Raeford where they joined and served at The Harvest Church, the church they called home. She was a forerunner, she served as a Deaconness, usher and in the outreach ministry and she served wherever her hands was needed. She served at New Seasons Family Christian Center as well. She accepted the challenge and answered the call to become a chaplain. She was ordained with the Warrior Family Ministries Chaplains and served with the Raeford Company for four years.
She was a dedicated supporter of the Raeford Disabled Veterans Association, Chapter 17 and to veterans. She spent her entire life giving back in any capacity that she could. She was employed for thirty-three years in Federal Service, mostly at the Department of Veterans Affairs.
She was very classy! No hair out of place and her nails were always complete. She was second to none in style and fashion. She enjoyed traveling and collecting designer handbags.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Austin Patillo Jr., Manwell Patillo and Bernard Patillo; and sisters Betty Patillo, Margo Patillo and Theresa McCray.
She is survived by her husband, Albert L Grimes Jr. of Raeford; children Latrice L. Grimes of Los Angeles, Callina L. Grimes of Fayetteville, Albert L. Grimes III of Raeford and Monique L. Grimes-Mwamba of Dover Delaware Airforce Base; grandchildren Kalani Washington, Kani Grimes, Kmarii Hudson, Mansiion Grimes and Faith Grimes; a sister, Barbara-Jean Brown Morrison of Atlanta; uncles Fred McCray Jr. and Dwight G. McCray; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Services have not been announced.