Lorraine Grimes

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. -- Lorraine Grimes, 84, formerly of Sikeston, died Jan. 11, 2018, at Fountainbleau Lodge in Cape Girardeau.

Born Dec. 22, 1933, in West Ridge, Ark., daughter of the late Joseph Albert and Sarah Clementine DeGroat Lewis, she had been a resident of this area most of her life and worked in the administrative office at Malone and Hyde. She held dual memberships with Eagles Ladies Auxiliaries 3319 in Sikeston and 3775 in Cape Girardeau, having held every position 3319 had to offer; she became State President in 1986 and was then elected to the Grand Auxiliary in 1989. She served as chaplain, secretary, trustee, vice president and president. She is the only woman from Missouri to have served as Grand Madam President. She was also a former Cotton Boll Council Girl Scout leader.

In January 1952 in Morehouse, she married Donnie G. Ford, and he preceded her in death on June 19, 1953. In August 1955 in Sikeston, she married Herman Grimes, and he died in March 1999.

Survivors include: two sons and daughters-in-law, Herman and Gaye Grimes Jr. of Olive Branch, Miss., and Mark and Sabrina Grimes of Sikeston; three daughters and one son-in-law, Markey Ford of Little Rock, Ark., Cindy McClellan of Cartersville, Ga., and Sarah and Cliff Thompson of Grand Junction, Colo.; and nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one son, Donnie Ford Jr.; one granddaughter, Christy Ford and five brothers and one sister.

A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 at Fraternal Order of Eagles in Cape Girardeau, and a reception will follow.

Blanchard Funeral Chapel in Sikeston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at blanchardfuneral.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to: F.O.E. Charity Foundation, 321 N. Spring, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.