GREENSBORO - Blanche Carolyn Turner Grassi, 86, passed away peacefully at home on December 26, 2018 after declining health from a stroke she suffered in 2015. A service to celebrate her life will be officiated by Reverend Alan Sherouse at 1:45 PM Sunday, December 30 at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends from 12 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.
A lifelong resident of Greensboro, Carolyn was born to the late Maude Blanche "Tilly" Tillman Turner and Robert Benton Turner, Jr. She graduated from Greensboro (Grimsley) High School in 1950 and from Women's College (UNCG) in 1952. She then went to work as a legal secretary for Smith, Moore, Smith, Shell and Hunter law firm and later for Armistead Sapp, Sr.
In 1954 she met and later married the love of her life, Innocenzo "Jess" Grassi. In 1957 Carolyn quit work and became a homemaker for their two children. She was also a grandmother of two, whom she helped raise. She was a loving wife, wonderful mother and doting grandmother. Carolyn and Jess remained married for 63 years until her death.
She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church and attended faithfully until her health prevented her from doing so.
She is survived by her husband Jess of the home; daughter, Ann Grassi Leonard of Greensboro; son, Mike (Robin) of Reidsville; grandson, Jake Leonard of Greensboro; granddaughter, Hilary Leonard of Greensboro; sister, Nancy Lyon of Spartanburg, SC; along with several cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews and cat Jasper.
The family would like to express their appreciation to her caregivers, Amedisys and Hospice, specifically Desiree and Donna and all those who helped care for Carolyn.
While we will miss her, may she be reunited in heaven with those who have long awaited her arrival, including her beloved pet poodle Petey.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Greensboro or Hospice.
Online condolences may be shared at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
