A memorial service for Jo-Bess will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM led by Rev. John Kinser. A private burial will be held before the service at Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive guests following the service at Trevette's home, 312 Riverdale Drive, Macon, Georgia 31204.
Mrs. Grenga died on August 19, 2022. She is “absent from the body and present with the Lord!” (2 Corinthians 5:8). Born on December 23, 1939, in Lexington, KY, she was the daughter of the late Dr. and Mrs. W. Phil Smith (Bess Outlaw Smith). She moved to Macon, GA at the age of six with her parents and was educated in the city schools, graduating from A.L. Miller Senior High School in 1956. She completed her studies at Mercer University in Macon, GA with a Bachelor of Arts/Speech and Drama and a Master of Arts/Education degrees in 1960. While at Mercer, she was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity.
On September 28, 1958, she married John D. Grenga of Newnan, GA. Nine years later God sent their daughter, Josephine Trevette Grenga, and four and a half years after that He gave them their son, John David Grenga, Jr.
She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible School, directed children’s choirs and was a soloist in the adult choir. She was also a soloist at Mulberry Methodist Church for 5 years. For ten years, she was director of music at North Macon Presbyterian Church.
Jo-Bess’s first love was the Lord Jesus Christ and, secondly, her family. She enjoyed being involved in local theater, playing piano, painting, was passionate about gardening and never met an animal she didn’t love!!!
She taught school (first through seventh grades) in Bibb County for 31 years including 4 years at the Georgia Academy for the Blind. Her last 20 years she enjoyed teaching at Springdale Elementary School. One of her greatest joys throughout the years was reconnecting with former students.
She enjoyed being a member of the Morning Music Club. Likewise, she had many friends through the PEO Sisterhood. She was active at the Macon Little Theater in many musicals.
Surviving are her daughter, Trevette Grenga Lang, of Macon, GA and her son, John David Grenga, Jr. of Marietta, GA and two grandchildren, John David Grenga, III and Luke Anthony Grenga.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 682 Mulberry Street, Macon GA 31201.
Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.
Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Bass Road has charge of the arrangements.
