Mary Grassi

Mary Rowena Grinstead Grassi, age 87, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away on May 16, 2023. Mary was the eldest of eight children born to Claud and Clifton Grinstead on September 11, 1935. In her early life, Mary chopped cotton and traveled to her grandparents’ home in a wagon. She met the love of her life, Joe Grassi, and married on December 15, 1962. Mary worked for National Old Line Insurance Company, the Census Bureau, and the Air Force. After retirement, she found another job at Cabot Custom Mats to keep her busy.

Mary loved her grandchildren with all of her heart and put her family first in every way. She enjoyed sewing, reading, and solving crossword puzzles. She is a member of the church of Christ.

Mary was preceded in death by a preborn child; her husband, Joe; her brother-in-law, Mario (Gloria); her sister-in-law, Irma; her brother, Leonard (Sheila); her sister and brother-in-law, Claudette and Billy; her brother, Bill (Gail); and her brother, Arlin.

She is survived by a daughter, Maggie (Jon); a sister, Margie; a sister, Evie (Joe); a brother, Ardyn; two grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who are just like family.

The family would like to thank the staff of the ICU at Wadley Regional Medical Center in Hope for their compassionate care and support during Mary’s final days.

Mary will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Mary’s memory.

A visitation will be held at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 23, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. The graveside service will follow at the adjacent cemetery. Arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W Dewitt Henry Drive, Beebe, Arkansas 72012. Visit www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook to view the online registry.