Shirley Grandison Otey, 79, peacefully ascended to heaven on Wednesday, August 15, 2018. She was born on February 24, 1939 in Norfolk, Virginia to the late Reverend Jerry Lee Grandison and Mary Frances Grandison. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, she received her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Norfolk State University. She retired from the Chesapeake Public School System where she worked as a kindergarten teacher. Her passion was studying the Bible and sharing the word of God. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 55 years, Thomas Herbert Otey, III (Sonny). The youngest of eight siblings, Shirley was also predeceased by her sister Mary Bullock, and her five brothers, Thomas Grandison, George Grandison, Jerimiah (Tony) Grandison, James Grandison, and Lawrence Grandison.
Shirley’s bible is tattered and worn from habitual use through the years. In it she has prayers, concerns, inspirational messages, highlighted scriptures, bookmarks, and handwritten notes. The bible was her salvation, her comfort, her hiding place, her confidant, and her friend. Her children and grandchildren knew if they had a question about the bible, they could go to her. She would quickly grab one of her many bibles or bible reference books and start searching. If someone made a statement that was not accurate, she would often say,
“that ain’t scripture.” When the grandchildren heard her say that, they would laugh. It soon became the family catch phrase.
Shirley was a stickler for organization and cleanliness. She ran the house with precision. She often said she did not have time for foolishness because she was going to church, attending college, running the household, and raising four children. The children knew what they were supposed to do and when to do it. She was always available if there was a problem in school, and always demanded the children do their best. Another favorite saying of hers was “there’s 24 hours in a day,” meaning don’t make excuses for too much work and too little time.
Shirley’s other passion was showing hospitality. Whenever someone came to visit, she prepared a big meal. Church members, family members, friends, and neighborhood children were always welcome. She took pride in setting a beautiful table and serving the guests. Their comfort was her top priority.
To cherish her memory are two daughters, Patricia Vaughan (Elijah) and Karen Otey Parker (Dwight), two sons, Thomas Herbert Otey IV, and Kevin Dell Otey, Sr. (Laura); one sister, Helen Grandison Paschall; five grandchildren, Kevin Dell Otey, Jr. (Maureen), Philip Vaughan, Rachel Parker, Dwight Matthew Parker, LaToya Otey and a host of nieces and nephews.

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