Carolyn Anita (Baysinger) Grissom, 87, passed away on October 3, 2023, in Meridian, Idaho after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s. Carolyn was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her warm smile and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Carolyn was born to Harry and Doris Baysinger on August 17, 1936, in Gooding, Idaho. Carolyn and her older sister Ruth were blessed with a loving and hardworking mother. She graduated from Gooding High School and went on to Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon. It was a dream of hers to become a pastor’s wife. While at college, she met Jim Grissom, and they were married on Sept 9, 1956. A year later they welcomed their first child Debbie. After graduation, Jim became pastor of a small church in Craigmont, Idaho. Their next two children, Connie and Mark, were born there.
They returned to Southern Idaho where they were active in the First Baptist Church in Boise. Carolyn was a leader in several Bible study groups, including Bible Study Fellowship, for many years. Carolyn even turned being an Avon lady into an opportunity for kindness. Carolyn quietly shared her faith while caring for people in many walks of life. She and Jim opened their home to youth from a variety of cultural backgrounds who needed a supportive place to live. Carolyn and Jim set an example to their children of compassion and of being the hands and feet of Jesus to those around them.
Later in life, Jim and Carolyn were blessed with the births of their final two children, Jeff and Tim. Jim and Carolyn eventually moved to Eagle, Idaho where they enjoyed their grandchildren and working in their yard during retirement.
Carolyn navigated Alzheimer’s with selfless grace. As her memories were gradually stripped away, her kindness and compassion remained. Carolyn’s sense of humor and playfulness were a source of many smiles during this time. Jim and Carolyn were devoted to each other throughout their 67 years of marriage.
Carolyn is survived by her husband Jim Grissom; her daughters and son-in-law, Debbie and Dave Wynkoop, and Connie Molsee; her sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Suedee Grissom, Jeff and LeeAnn Grissom, and Tim and Elizabeth Grissom, as well as 14 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Doris Baysinger, sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Ken Steele, nephew, Doug Steel, and son-in-law, Mark Molsee.
Our family wishes to thank the amazing caregivers at Edgewood Plantation Place and Edgewood Spring Creek Meridian for their gracious care of Mom and Dad.
Carolyn’s life will be celebrated at a service held at True Hope Church-First Baptist, located at 607 N 13th St, Boise, ID, on October 21, 2023, at 2:00 PM. Family and friends are invited to come honor Carolyn’s memory and share stories of her life.