Mrs. Janie James Grayson

With heavy hearts but lifted spirits we honor the passing of Janie James Grayson on November 24th at the age of 95. J.J.Grayson was born on June 19th, 1929 in Ladonia Texas, the second of three children to Henry Roberson and Mattie Wofford.

Receiving her bachelor’s degree in science from Houston-Tillotson College in 1951, Mrs. Grayson moved to Fort Worth to pursue dual careers not only as a teacher in the Fort Worth Independent School District, but also as a real estate agent under the tutelage of T.M. Shadowen. In 1954 she married William J. Grayson, and in 1959 became licensed to practice real estate in the same year that the Texas State Real Estate Commission was formed. In both education and real estate, she established a reputation in the Fort Worth business community that spanned decades. In 1985 she retired from the classroom to pursue real estate full time and, together with her husband William, oversaw the ground-up construction of the new location of Grayson’s Barber Shop and Real Estate on Evans Avenue. At the age of 84 Mrs. Grayson chose not to renew her license in 2016, signaling her retirement from an illustrious journey in the real estate industry.

Honors during her outstanding career include “Pioneer in Business and Real Estate,” from the Texas Association of Real Estate” in 1994, the Dr. Marion J. Brooks Living Legend Award in 1998, the Community Service / Key to the City Award from the City of Fort Worth in 2008, as well as recognition from the Fort Worth chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers in honoring her 50+ years in the industry. But the accolade Mrs. Grayson treasured above all else was being revered for her unwavering commitment to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through her affiliation with New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church as a charter member. In education, real estate, and a daily walk with Christ, Mrs. Grayson influenced the lives of thousands as a teacher, businesswoman, leader, and missionary.

Mrs. Grayson is survived by son Wendell and daughter-in-law Sheila, grandsons Damon and Kegan, niece Janice Driscoll, nephew Rodney Roberson, and preceded in death by husband William in 1999.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to The New Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in care of the Raymond B. Spencer Youth Education Fund.