
of Little Rock, AR
December 10, 1934 - November 19, 2007
Geraldine "Jerri" Grissom Brown, 72, of Little Rock, died Monday, November 19, 2007, following a brief illness. Born December 10, 1934 in Knoxville, Tennessee to John W. and Anne Grissom, Jerri was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many.
Educated as a medical technologist, she furthered her career as a laboratory manager, working both at UAMS and the Little Rock Family Clinic. In retirement, she and her husband, Curtis, made many great friends traveling coast to coast in their R.V. as "Snow Birds."
Survivors include her husband of 52 years, Curtis Brown, III; daughter, Laurie Evelyn Smith, her husband James and step-son, Leland of Kansas City, Missouri; son, Curtis Brown, IV, of Vallejo, California; brothers, Dr. J. Thomas Grissom of Olympia, Washington, Dr. C. Edgar Grissom of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and Dr. James P. Grissom of Ridgeland, Mississippi; one granddaughter, Rachel E. Phillips, her husband Robert, and children, Noah and Evan Phillips of North Little Rock, Arkansas; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation is Friday, November 23, 2007 at 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, (501) 224-8300, with Reverend Richard Lancaster officiating.
Ever the teacher, leader, and humanitarian, her wisdom, wit and compassion will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to: W.P.R. Cancer Institute Donations, 4301 West Markham, Slot 623, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205. Please specify Breast Cancer Research, (501)526-2277.

Curtis, Until Sandra and Jimmy's Jason and Heather were getting married in Jackson three, or was it four, years ago, you and Jerri were "just stories"! Somehow in the many 48 (yikes!) blessed years of being a friend of Sandra's and Jimmy's, we'd never been in your company long enough to watch you two be fun and funny. That wedding weekend we were introduced! So this classy woman was the "big sister" who loved to travel and didn't waste any good times! We saw you two several times after that weekend and loved it. I'm so thankful that I didn't miss out on Jerri! Love and prayers. Suzanne

I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER A MARVELOUS FRIEND AND ALL SHE GAVE TO ME..

Thank you for allowing me in taking care of you Mr. Brown and your family. I'll never forget you and your family. Remember never say AT ending a sentence. William Montgomery

Dearest Jerri, You have made a difference here one earth. If only you could read the comments from your friends and loved ones. It is lonely without you--I wish I had done a better job of shielding you from the illnesses which struck you. I will always remember the great fun that we enjoyed together on our "journey", the "Ride on the Train". I will join up with you later. I love you, Curtis

Wonderful memories of a truly wonderful friend.

VERY NICE.

Jerri was such a good friend in High School. I am so glad that we renewed our friendship in the past fifteen years. What fun we have had together! Jerri: smart, energetic. I miss you.

I graduated from Cleveland High School in 1959. My brother is Jimmy Logan and he lives in Greenville, MS. I remember how crazy Jerri was at Rally Day. I lost my husband in 2004. It is a hard road to travel but I guess time heals all wounds. My prayers are with you and your family.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sorrowful time.

Good Morning Pop, I realized this morning with all that has gone I did not sign the guest book. I wanted to say that I think Meme was a great and wonderful person and I was glad to have the chance to call her Meme. She will be missed by all the lives she has touched but our hearts will be a little warmer for having known such a caring women full of energy and a sense of adventure. Love you Pop and anything you need just let me know anytime and I will be there for you.

Thank you for the story....someone who loved her very much TOOK those pictures and wove them together for her story. She now....as when I was very young....touches my heart. Thank you.... And please let Tommy know how much we love him and expect him to be in Cleveland next October. If I...Dinky...can get myself there.....SURELY HE can too!!!! Thank you so much for the opportunity to celebrate Jerri.......she was always the BEST big sister to just a few of my best friends..... God bless you, Curtis.... Dinky Dalton Newman

Your loss is felt deeply by all who knew the wonderful persopn who was Jeri. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

GOD BLESS; ALL LEFT BEHIND, FOR SHE IS IN HIS HANDS NOW..... WITH GREATEST SYMPATHY FROM ; THE RAY FAMILY.

As a Cleveland High School class of '57 member, I want to offer my sympathy to Jerri's family. May God bless each of you and be with in your loss. Ida York

I can't imagin this world being as great as it is if this wonderful mother and friend hadn't been there to inspire me to see its beauty and wonder. Both she and my father instilled the need to open my eyes and look around. From those two special people I stop when I see a sunset, when the moon slowly comes out of hiding from behind a mountain, or a flock of blue Herons flying overhead. So many times when I am reminded of Mom, I will call only to say, "I love you, Mom." I once witnessed a tender moment between a mother and child. That moment was when the child looked up towards her mother and the mother reached down only to cupped that childs face into the palm of her hand. I thought of many moments we two shared, my mother and I. "Thank you, Mom." She is every sunset I see now. I see HER face in the moon looking down over me and clearing my way from danger. As before and forever, you're there for me, Mom. I know this and I know you hear my voice in the night when I look into the stars and remember...how much I love you. You're unmatched and I give thanks for the time we shared. I wouldn't change one moment of it. I'm blessed that the Good Lord chose Curtis and Jerri Brown to be my parents. I could not have even picked a better pair if given that chance. With every tick of time, the sadness of you're passing gets stronger. But, I know I'll see you soon, so go on up ahead, Mom, and I'll follow shortly. Save me a spot beside you. Curtis Brown, IV or as some call me...#4 See you, Christie. Thank you for becomeing family.

Dear Curtis, You and your familiy will always be in my thoughts and prayers. Jerri was a real inspiration to me when Laurie and I were growing up together. I did not realize some of the things she would say to me then, I would always remember and reflect on as I became a woman and a mother myself. Her ability to find laughter in each day will be a legacy for all of us.

I remember many times when Jerri took the time to do special things for Lari and I when we were growing up. She was also a special person to my mother. Mother was so worried when we moved from Little Rock and my brother Lee decided he was going to stay so he could finsh his schooling at UALR. Jerri told my mom not to worry about Lee, my brother, she would see that he was taken care of and was eating right. Lee told us that Jerri had him over from dinner a few times just to check to see how he was getting along. You are in our thoughts and prays at this time. Thanks for the memories.

May Jerri rest in peace in the loving arms of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Kent

Dear Curtis, Sure had some good times with the both of you..from Alaska, Baja, Oregon & tornado warnings in Little Rock! Still put molasses in my coffee thanks to Jerri. Will miss her sense of humor. I've been there, so know each day gets better. Keep a sense of humor, allow anyone to help, and remember..Life is short.Take the Scenic Route!! Hugs of Love.

Curt and family, Where do you start to describe how extraordinary Jerri was? She and your family were our family also. We experienced much of life together: weddings, births, and even deaths. Now we have lost a very precious part of our "family" and she will be missed tremendously. It is a great loss for all of us left here, but we know she is sharing her wit, intelligence and love with those who have gone before us. She will be there to welcome us when we also arrive at the end of our journeys. The David Dorrough family

Dear Curtis, Our memories are dear to us of the fun times we had with you and Jerri. We are certain your memories of all the good times you and Jerri have had will be a comfort to you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Jim & Jean

We grieve with you, although at a distance. We remember all the good times. We didn't know that your visit this summer would be Jerri's last - sitting on our deck - surrounded by a table full of family - cooking out, listening to music, telling stories & laughing alot! Jerri's spirit, zest for life, inquisitive nature, & love for humanity will always be treasured & remembered.

Hey Uncle Curtis, This is Chris. I just wanted to say I hope you all are doing OK and that I am so sorry about Aunt Jeri. Love, Chris

Dear Curtis, Laurie, and Curt, Just wanted to tell you that our thoughts and hearts are with you right now. Jeri was such a cool lady and our last conversation a few months ago was really enjoyable. Chris, Shannon and I would like to say we admire that she lived a productive life and that we take this moment to celebrate that life. Love, Pat, Shannon and Chris

We enjoyed the times we were with Jeri and Curtis at Jim and Sandra's in Pascagoula. Deepest sympathy to the family.

Our deepest sympathy and best wishes for the Brown family are offered with love and humility. Jim and Florence

I did not know Jerri but my prayers are with her family during this time. Anyone from Cleveland,MS is always the best.

Thinking of you, your family and Jerri's family; wishing all of you the strength to pass safely through this time of loss.

Gerri was a great lady and a good friend - she will be missed by all who knew her. The Lord is my Sheperd....... We love you both. You will always be in our hearts. Lois and Jim

Sincere sympathy to you and your family.

Curtis, Lynnelle and I have been thinking of you and Jerri and hope you are comforted by the many family members and friends whom we know are there with you. Noel & Lynnelle (Mayatte) Funchess

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you in your time of sorrow.

The video was a beautiful tribute to a wonderful lady and our friend. We have many memories of times we shared, and will miss seeing her on her travels through our neighborhood. We have many pictures to remind us of her smiling face and wonderful attitude. Our heartfelt condolences to her family.

In loving memory of a beautiful woman and friend. We will look for you in every sunrise and listen for you in the waves that crash upon the shore. You will never be forgotten. You will live on in the hearts and stories of your family and friends and we will see you again. James and Laurie Smith

Long ago I met a lady on a camping trip and I had to listen carefully to understand what she was saying. That Southern accent was sure heavy! She sure did know how to light up a person's life. A true southern Belle she was. Jerri, Curtis III and Curtis number 4 could keep you laughing all night long. You know how bees take to honey and fish to water and...well, that is how you feel about Jerri. We are not blood related but by our love of each other, I feel like I have lost the sister I never had. She could make you laugh without trying. I have some great memories of my friend. Goodbye my Jerri. Christie Your "Polish" friend

What an honor and great delight it was to have met Jerri and you, Curtis, this past summer and to have spent a few days laughing and traveling down the road together, and sharing precious time with family and friends. Jerri ... a lovely lady with great love and admiration for her husband and family, an infectious laugh, and a kind, generous spirit.

To the Brown and Grissom Families, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Jerri as an incredibly kind, loving woman. I am Blessed for having known her. Much love to all, Greg

Deepest sympathy.

Curtis, Rodney & I are so sorry for your loss. You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers. We will continue to think of you all during this difficult time. Love, Rod & Jerry

Curtis, John Sumner, Sumner, and I are so sorry about your loss of your soulmate. You have so many precious memories of your times together. We are so sorry we cannot be there to share this time of sorrow with you. We are thinking of you and your family. May God Bless You.

Dear Curtis and Brown Family: I was very sad to hear of Jerri's passing. Both she and Curtis were always very nice to me as I was growing up. I am glad that y'all got the chance to retire and enjoy the RV lifestyle--there is nothing more relaxing that RVing! Again, I am very sorry for your loss. Jerri was a great person!

My prayers are with you. Whitey

We were so sorry to learn of the passing of Jerri,...beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great- grandmother. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. May God give you comfort as you go through the next few days and into the future, until you one day are reunited with Jerri again. With love and prayers, Coy and Luanne Bradford and family

To Curtis and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have so many fond memories of our camping days together at Maumelle Park. Jerri will be missed by all. God be with you.

Curtis, Curtis, Laurie & Rachel: You are in our thoughts and prayers. We would come to the service if not for Don's health problems. We have so many memories----from Gulf Shores to Indiana to Michigan, to Alaska and Iowa---the ruhbarb pie in Alaska and the many good hams and the bridge and domino games. She was a good sister to me. Love, Don and Elaine

Curtis and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Jerri will be greatly missed by all her Gulf Shore buddies. We had some great times together.