Lenola "Shella" Grissom

Shella Lenola Grissom

February 8, 1930 – September 1, 2025

Our mom, Shella Lenola Wilson, was born un-expectantly, on February 8, 1930 to her rural Polk County home shortly after the birth of her twin brother. The family dubbed her “The Girl” which stuck until entering 1st grade.

She was raised and attended schools throughout the Willamette Valley, just outside of Salem, Oregon.

Growing up, being the youngest of five, Mom could usually be found helping her mom canning, cleaning, fixing meals for the farm workers, and doing multiple chores… or hiding out in a tree with a good book which began her lifelong love of reading. Later on she would be found out in the fields, working hard alongside her mother and twin brother – determined to at least keep up with or preferably outdo him. The two of them were a mischievous pair, always finding ways to turn even the most ordinary day into a little adventure or friendly competition, and at times, sneaking in a prank or two that kept each other – and everyone else – on their toes. Mom and her brother were best friends.

She also worked on the line in canneries, and several years in bookkeeping for Montgomery Ward. Her most challenging career, though, was raising her three kids: Gary, Gayle and Tera. She was STILL raising them up to Monday of this week through her wisdom and prayers. This extended to her 8 grandkids and her 17 great-grandkids.

At various times, she would look around the table and say with a chuckle, “all of ‘this’ came from just two acorns…” the other acorn being Daddy, Al Grissom, who she met in Bible College and married on September 2, 1953, giving them almost 62 years of marriage.

In December 1972 , we moved from the Willamette Valley when Dad and Mom accepted the pastorate in Enterprise. Our first trip into Wallowa County was such an adventure for the whole family as we fell in love with the people, area and mountains. Some of us fell more in love with the people than others…. Tera…?

In 1980, Dad and Mom moved to Hamilton, Montana, as they needed to care for Dad’s mother. In 2005, they were excited to have the opportunity to return to Enterprise, where they had left their hearts.

Mom was an excellent cook! You should have seen the spread each time we got together, which included cookies, rhubarb crisp, caramel corn, pastel popcorn and the best caramels ever - in addition to the baked beans, potato salad, numerous casseroles and meatloaf.

Her handiwork was also amazing. We all have multiple crocheted potholders which were included with the gift of her most perfectly embroidered kitchen towels, made for

every Christmas for every family. She also enjoyed poetry and often recited poems learned from grammar school.

As we were looking at one of her many journals this week, a more recent profound entry was made that we want to share:

I want to be like a caterpillar.

Eat a lot.

Sleep for awhile.

Wake up beautiful.

Our family gatherings and traditions were a continuation of what we experienced growing up at Mom’s parents’ home. There, our grandparent’s, Charles and Vella Wilson, our aunts, uncles and cousins often got together for food and laughter, and talking about the Lord and the bible. Mom, at 95 years of age, is preceded in death by everyone… and their dogs.

Mom loved the Lord.

There were many hymns special to her. On Wednesday, after she was taken to the hospital, we found a tablet beside her lunch where she was writing the words to Sweet Anointing.

Of so many things we will remember her for, the greatest is her deep love for God and the Word. After Dad’s death, her reliance on God was even greater, if that was even possible.

Mom’s prayers for the family will be missed by us all. At any time for anything, we knew we could call and she would join in lifting our needs to the Lord.

As her family, we do not take for granted how incredibly blessed we were to have the mother, and father, that we had. Their greatest desire has always been to see ALL their family in heaven. When Mom’s parents were saved, they began praying for their family, and for spouses, and children yet to come. Dad and Mom continued this practice, sharing these verses with the entire family, admonishing us to continue this legacy.

Oh my people, listen to my instructions.

Open your ears to what I am saying,

 for I will speak to you in a parable.

I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—

stories we have heard and known,

stories our ancestors handed down to us.

 We will not hide these truths from our children;

we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD,

about his power and his mighty wonders.

 For he issued his laws to Jacob;

he gave his instructions to Israel.

He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children,

 so the next generation might know them—

even the children not yet born—

and they in turn will teach their own children.

So each generation should set its hope anew on God,

not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands.

Psalm 78:1-7

With all of this said, when Mom arrived in heaven Monday morning, we are certain Jesus, and her family, welcomed her home, saying, “The Girl finally made it!”

The Memorial service was held on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at Wallowa Assembly of God, Wallowa, Oregon. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com