Mrs. Dollie Mae McGrew

Dollie Mae McGrew departed this life on July 7, 2011. She was born October 19. 1925 in Holly Springs, Mississippi, the daughter of Wisdom Phillips and Medora Dean Phillips, both of whom preceded her in death. Dollie accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. She was united in marriage to Henry McGrew on February 23, 1947. Henry preceded her in death in 1996. In 1952 they relocated to Kalamazoo from Chicago, IL, later becoming members of the (original) Galilee Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Boad. Some years later, she joined the Greater Faith C.O.G.I.C., under the leadership of Pastor J.D. Hayter. Her career included numerous roles, such as food services at Nazareth College, and as a Nursing Technician at Bronson Hospital. She was an Avon Representative for 25 years, reaching the honorary status of the President Club; she served as a Sarah Coventry representative as well. Dollie was the founding member of the Merry Makers of Kalamazoo and was a community icon for her unselfish sacrifice and giving to neighborhood families and others. Dollie, known by most as "Grammy", leaves to mourn 11 children: Diane (Steven) Scott of Indiana, Charles (Marla) McGrew of Washington, Carolyn Jackson of North Carolina, Henrietta (George) Holland of Kalamazoo, Richard McGrew of Kalamazoo, Ronnie (Karen) McGrew of Pontiac, Patricia McGrew of Kalamazoo, Susan (Edward) Laneaux of Mississippi, and Kathey (Pearce) Gilbert of Wisconsin. Their son, Lynell McGrew and an infant son preceded her in death. Also mourning her death are: 2 stepchildren, Milton (Mary) McGrew and Lucille McGrew of Illinois; 29 grandchildren; 51 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; 5 step-grandchildren; 1 sister, Gracie Simmons of Illinois; 4 nieces: Edna Carlton, Minnie Bynum, Mary Porter and Birdopher Wigington; 1 nephew, Joe Willie Freeman; a host sister and brother-in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends. Of special mention are: Maxine, Thurston, Audrey, Cynthia, Phylease, Victor, Jimmie, Monti Long, and Michael Holland. She loved and was extremely proud of all of her children and grandchildren and certainly utilized her bragging rights for all to know.

Mrs. Dollie Mae McGrew

October 19, 1925 - July 7, 2011