Jean Moore Grimsley, 90, of Winnabow, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at the Commons at Brightmore of Wilmington.

Jean was born on August 21, 1935, to Joseph Miah Moore and Susie Shearer Moore in Bladen County, North Carolina. She was the youngest of seven children. Her mother was 46 years old when Jean was born.

She graduated from Elizabethtown High School and Miller-Motte Business School.

Jean is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Daniel Lawrence Grimsley, and her two daughters Laura Danielle Grimsley and Amy Gail Grimsley.

Starting with her home church of her youth, she always took an active role in the churches she attended throughout her life, including teaching Sunday School for both children's and adult classes, singing in choirs, and working in Vacation Bible schools and the Nursery.

Throughout her marriage to Daniel, she was a great helpmate. This was especially true after Daniel's father died and he had to assume the work of the family farm. This included a large garden where she gathered the vegetables. She worked tirelessly at this in addition to her full-time job, church work, and raising two daughters.

Jean was a woman of many talents. She wrote a book about life of Bald Head Island during the 1920s and 1930s as related by her brother-in-law. She was self-taught at the piano and had a beautiful singing voice. She was an accomplished homemaker and helped design and decorate the home she and Daniel shared. She was an avid reader, and her sparkling wit and engaging personality kept everyone around her smiling.

Above all else, Jean loved Jesus. She faithfully served him and has now entered her heavenly rest.

Memorial donations may be made in Jean's honor to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church (423 N. 23rd St in Wilmington) at 11am on Saturday, July 11, with visitation at 10am preceding the service. 

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting the Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home of Wilmington is serving the family.

910-794-7171