Elizabeth Ann Byrd Grissom 62, of Topeka, went to be with the Lord Wednesday morning, October 10, 2018. She was born April 18, 1956, to the union of the late Reverend Riley M. Byrd Jr. and Retha Vaughn Byrd, Topeka, Ks. She was the seventh of twelve children and was known by Ann.

She attended the Topeka Public Schools and was a 1974 graduate of Highland Park High School.
Ann received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, while yet a youth.
She was a lifelong faithful member of Faith Temple COGIC, now known as Faith Temple Inc.

Over the years you could hear Ann’s melodious voice in the various choirs. She served with the Mission Workers, Executive Hospitality President and as President Church Hospitality. Her hospitality was non-denominational. Whatsoever her hands found to do in anybody’s kitchen she did it with all her might.
Ann could prepare and cook a meal fit for a king or queen. She was known for her skillet fried chicken.
She served with a spirit of excellence wherever she went.

Ann loved traveling with her church family as they toured the United States.
Ann began her career at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. In 1987 she started work for the State of Kansas at the Kansas Neurological Institute, retiring in 2014.

Two of her favorite things to do was preparing meals for the students of The International Academy and serving the Karios organizations. She served until her health failed. Ann faithfully served and volunteered in many capacities throughout the city of Topeka.

She was united in marriage to Douglas Leroy Grissom, December 20, 1981. They later divorced in 1986. To this union, the Lord Blessed them with a daughter, TaNiesha Anntoinette Grissom, in 1983.
Ann was preceded in death by parents, and one brother Riley Montgomery Byrd III.
Ann leaves an abundance of precious memories to her daughter, TaNiesha Anntoinette Grissom; her granddaughter, BrookeLynn Symone Harris, and her grandson, Christopher JayVieawn Harris. She was affectionately known as Queen to her grandchildren, Grandma Ann to some and Momma Ann to others.

Also cherishing her memories are her siblings in the birth order of
Bishop Charles Levi Byrd, (Elaine) Pastor Rosetta Mae West,(Robert R West Sr) Bishop Virgil Eugene Byrd,(Letha) James Leroy, all of Topeka, KS, Bishop Maxey Carver Byrd, Omaha, NE,( Valerie), Clemmie Ray Byrd, Beverly Jean Byrd, Teresa Alecia Summerville, Veronica Jerilene Byrd, and Minister Melodene Gwinett Byrd, all of Topeka, KS.49 nieces and nephews, 74 great nieces and nephews, 17 great-great nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.

Ann was blessed with seven Godchildren one godson, Bryan Darnell Watson; six goddaughters, April Lynn Benson, Lantrina Dawn Stewart, Malaika Sims-Loverson, Ardonya Monique Lassiter, Katrina Symonne Lassiter, and Destiny Lassiter.
Your life of service was complete, and you were called to rest at the Savior’s feet. God said it’s time to depart. Thanks for sharing your loving and generous heart. You were the Queen of Hospitality.

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