“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Shelvie Jean Griswold, age 80, transitioned to her heavenly home on October 28, 2018, in Kingsport, Tennessee, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 27, 1938 in Westboro, Wisconsin to Frank and Irene (Johnson) Rizzi.
Shelvie went to high school in Rib Lake, Wisconsin and graduated in 1957. Shortly after graduation, she married Paul Roy Griswold on October 5, 1957. Together, they had two sons.
Her greatest gifts were hospitality and encouragement. She loved cooking for her family and friends. She loved to minister to others, especially to women and to the elderly. She cared deeply for those in nursing homes and taught Sunday School at her local nursing home in Medford, Wisconsin. She and Paul also used their voices to minister to others through being active members in their church choir. Even up to her last days here on earth, you could hear her sing, “What a Mighty God We Serve!”
Second only to her lifelong commitment to the Lord Jesus, was her total devotion to loving her family well. Her life was most fulfilled through her holy calling as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Frank and Irene Rizzi and daughter-in-law Donna (Steven) Griswold.
Survivors include: two sons, Steven (Samantha) Griswold of Mooresburg, TN, and Daniel (Debbie) Griswold of Kingsport, TN; five grandchildren, Amy (Jacob) Brecheisen of Wisconsin, Steven Jr. (Kassadee) Griswold of Chandler, AZ, Jenna and Jacob Griswold of Kingsport, TN, and Violet of Mooresburg, TN. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, her brother Gene (Sandy) Rizzi of Rib Lake, WI, her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Peter (Mary) Milosevich of Watertown, WI, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.
Shelvie’s wishes were to be cremated.
The family would like to express our gratitude to Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice for expediting her transfer to a nursing facility. We appreciate their loving care to Shelvie and to our family. We want to thank Asbury Place/Baysmont House for their tender care in Shelvie’s last 48 hours. We especially want to thank nurse Whitney for carrying us through such a painful experience. Her hugs and care for our family made the transition a little easier.
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord FOREVER.” (Psalm 23:6)
To God be the glory for the gift of this precious life.
Visitation will be held at the Model City Event Center (201 E Center St, Kingsport, TN 37660) on Saturday, November 10, 2018, 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The Memorial Service will begin at 11:30. Light snacks will be served.
Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the Griswold family.
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