Lynda Sue McAlister Grisham

Lynda McAlister Grisham left this earth and began her eternal journey with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 13, 2026, at her home in Ripley, Mississippi after a life beautifully devoted to God, her family, and others. She lived a life marked by grace, dignity, unwavering faith and selfless love. Lynda was born in Ripley on July, 21, 1943. Following her graduation from what was then known as South Tippah High School (now Ripley High), Lynda moved with her parents and younger siblings to Chicago, where her father had secured employment. While in Chicago, Lynda married and had two sons, Billy Walter and Tommy Walter. After the marriage ended in divorce, Lynda moved to Memphis, where she met and married fellow Ripley native Dennis Grisham. Together they built a marriage rooted in faith and devotion. Dennis raised and treated Billy and Tommy as his own sons for the rest of his life. His employment carried them from Memphis to Arkansas. While in Memphis, Dennis and Lynda had a son named Jason, who sadly died when he was only a month old, and their daughter Jill was born in Arkansas. In 1973, Dennis, Lynda and their children moved back to their hometown of Ripley. In 1976, they built a home in Dumas, where they raised their family and created a home filled with Christian values, laughter, sacrifice, and unconditional love. Lynda was an amazing lady of uncommon beauty, radiance, and southern charm and grace, all of which she sustained no matter the circumstances. As a young woman, she was known as a beauty queen whose attractiveness and elegance turned heads, but those who knew her best understood that her greatest beauty came from within. She remained beautiful, both inside and out, for her entire life. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, quiet strength, and genuine compassion made her truly exceptional. Lynda had a remarkable gift for making everyone around her feel loved and valued, always placing the needs of others before her own. Above all else, Lynda loved the Lord. Her daily walk with Jesus was the foundation of her life. She faithfully worshipped her Heavenly Father, finding strength, peace, and purpose in her relationship with Him. Her faith was evident not only in what she believed but in how she lived - with humility, discipline, kindness, forgiveness, and unwavering love. Lynda was the heart of her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished Nana, and a proud Great-Nana. She nurtured those she loved with wisdom, patience, encouragement, and countless quiet acts of service. She celebrated every milestone, carried every burden in prayer, and always gave of herself without expecting anything in return. Lynda lived a disciplined life marked by hard work, integrity, humility, and an unwavering devotion to Christ. She believed that the greatest life in one lived in service to God and to others, and she demonstrated that belief every day. Her legacy is not only found in the family she loved so deeply, but also in the countless lives she touched through her compassion, encouragement, and faithful example. Lynda was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Grisham; her infant son Jason Grisham; her parents, Reece and Bessie Mae McAlister; her sisters, Sarah Ward and Nellie Gandy; her brother, Danny McAlister; and her son-in-law, Michael Bennett. She leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory: her sons, Billy Walter (Sondra) and Tommy Walter (Leslie); her daughter, Jill Bennett (widow of Michael Bennett); nine beloved grandchildren, Colby Walter, Corbin Walter, James Walter, Sarah Walter, John Thomas (McKenzie) Walter, Nolan (Journey) Bennett, Judd Bennett, Sophie Bennett, and Garrett Wilson; and three precious great-grandchildren, Gus Bennett, Deni Bennett, and Beatrice Bennett; brothers Jimmy McAlister and Larry McAlister; and sister, Shelia South. She also leaves many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by her kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith. Her service will be officiated by Bro. Steve Cohea. While her family mourns her earthly absence, they rejoice in the assurance that she has been reunited with those who have gone before her and now rests in the eternal presence of the Savior she faithfully followed throughout her life. The beauty that first drew people's attention as a young woman was surpassed many times over by the beauty of a heart wholly devoted to God. Her love will continue to echo through the generations she leaves behind, and her faithful example will remain a guiding light for all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed, forever loved and joyfully remembered until that glorious day when her family is reunited with her in the presence of the Lord.

Lynda Sue McAlister Grisham

July 21, 1943 - July 13, 2026