
Over the last few weeks I’ve been reflecting on Nanny, her life and our relationship as grandmother and grandson. It’s hard to put all of it into words, but two things that stand out to me the most are just how much love Nanny displayed to me and how she served as an inspiring role model through the enduring love she had with Pawpaw. Never once did I feel any difference in her compassion, love or care for me despite being in a blended family. For some, that’s a challenge, but for Nanny, it was natural.
 
I often find myself inspired by her marriage and the love she shared with Pawpaw. I saw the happiness and love that was cultivated and shared decade after decade after decade, in good times and in the difficult ones. As I grow in my own marriage I’m inspired to learn from and follow in Nanny’s footsteps. 
 
I was able to visit Nanny recently in person. She looked at peace, tired and ready to go home. As we sat together I remember thinking how, selfishly, you never want to lose someone, but that the timing felt right. She lived a vibrant, full life of 95 years. She made my world a better place and it’s now time for her to enjoy a better place also.
 
Perhaps all of this is best encapsulated in the last words she said to me: “I love you.”

I'm not sure where to start.  Mom was an amazing mother.  Because her mother was sick, mom learned at a very early age to care for others.  She had a way of always letting me know she was there if I needed her.  She also knew how to stay behind the scenes and let me think for myself.  She accepted and loved who I was and never tried to change me.  She respected my decisions, even if she didn't agree with me. As you've heard many times today, Mom taught all of us how to love.  We all learned from watching her and Daddy. 

During the last years after she moved to Greensboro, we became friends.  It was so wonderful to have that quality time with her.  Before she moved our time was spent going to doctor appointments but after she moved we played Bingo, worked puzzles, talked about books we both had read.  We truly became friends.  I thank God for those days every day.  

 Caring, respect and love.  Those are all qualities of a wonderful mother and a friend.  I will miss her with all my heart, but it's time for me to share her with Daddy, Mike and Scott.

Love you Mom.

“Nanny to me is the epitome of a grandmother. She loved by always opening her house to all of her family and friends. Before you entered the screened in porch, you could always tell she was working hard on a good, southern meal. She loved cooking for her children, grandkids and great grandkids. I’ll miss those deviled eggs. Nanny cared by doing the simple things. She called every year on our birthdays, even as most recent as my 41st birthday in January, to wish us all a Happy Birthday. Or even a Happy Anniversary. Nanny was hardworking. When she was able, she was always right beside Pawpaw either in the print shop, yard or garden. Nanny was brave and fearless. She would never back down from a set of waterskis or from standing on the top step of a ladder in the kitchen reaching for the tallest shelf. And most of all, Nanny was stubborn. I told mom on the Friday before Nanny passed, that Nanny would be stubborn until her final breath. She did exactly that. They went back and forth trying to get Nanny to wear her oxygen. Guess who won? 

This is what Nanny means to me. These are the memories that I will forever hold on to. We love you and we will miss you. 

Chris, Diana, Riley and Bailey”

What can you say about this lady I called Nanny? 
Accepting. From day one Nanny & James opened their arms and hearts for Adam and me. We were family. 
Stubborn – Showing determination. That was Nanny. She had a strong will. I was concerned after James passed that she may grieve herself to death, but she picked up the pace to do it herself. Living by herself after almost 70 years of being with James, taking care of the yard, learning how to fill the car up with gas. Yes, she was determined.
Doctor Dot – For better or Worse she took those words from her Marriage vows to heart. No matter if it was a cut, a common cold, Asthma attack, or Alzheimer's Nanny never backed away from taking care of James.  What love and commitment is all about, she showed us all.
Southern Lady – Opening arms, your favor dish at mealtime; Adam had fried okra, Chris deviled eggs, Vicky pumpkin bread, Mike cherry pie, Jennifer pot roast, me carrot cake. James just loved it all.
Dependable – When Vicky would travel with me for work, Nanny would always come to Greensboro to take care of Chris. Never a question, she was always there to help. I even got my T shirts ironed that week.
I was blessed. She showed me what family was first, what a real marriage is even when things were not good health wise. How to love and always say I Love You when leaving. Will always remember her on the porch waving goodbye saying I love you.
What can I say about Nanny – I am blessed to know her, my family is stronger because of her, we can laugh during hard times because of her, we know what love is because of her, and being stubborn for the right reasons is OK. But most of all always say I LOVE YOU and give a hug before you walk away.
Nanny you will be missed as you ARE one special Lady! I LOVE YOU!


My grandmother, my Memaw, will always have a special place in my heart .I have wonderful childhood memories. Growing up, there were very few Sundays that we did not have lunch at Memaw’s and Grandaddy’s house. She was a wonderful cook and made the best pot roast and homemade biscuits! She was such a sweet soul, and I don’t remember her saying an unkind word about anybody. My dad traveled a lot on his job. My mom said that Memaw and Grandaddy were always there for her, Scotty and myself, if anything went wrong. She and grandaddy were a great team!. They were inseparable. Even though she will be missed so much, I know she is well and happy to be with Grandaddy, my dad and Scotty again...I love you Memaw

I was so saddened to learn of Aunt Dot's passing. She was  warm and caring and always a comfort to others. As a child, I have wonderful  memories of North Carolina and my daddy's relatives. Especially his sister, Dot. They are filled with her love for family and laughter of  life.  As an adult, her visits to Texas still showed her devotion to her brothers, Jack and Sam, her nieces, and her nephews. She was indeed a strong woman. Her memory will always be cherished in my heart and will never leave me.  May God be with all of you in North Carolina as you remember Aunt Dot and grieve your loss. God Bless. 
Melissa Grant Tolnay

Dot to me represents mother, homemaker, a friend you can trust. She is a pleasant memory of the time I lived in Charlotte. I loved and admired her then and now. I am sorry Vicky but I know she will remain in your heart. Rest, peace, and love to dear Dot.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Dorothy Grant Curry

15 février 1926 – 20 septembre 2021

McEwen Funeral Service-Derita Chapel

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