Lynn Diane Grimes of Archer, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, October 28, 2017 surrounded by her loving husband and family.
Lynn was born on December 26, 1952, in Detroit, MI. She moved to Orlando, FL, as a child and grew up in the Southwood neighborhood and attended Orlando public schools, graduating from Oak Ridge High School. She held various jobs in Orlando, lastly with the law firm of Maguire, Voorhis and Wells. Lynn and her husband moved to Gainesville in 1986 when their business began to expand. In Gainesville, Lynn worked at Three Rivers Legal Services for over 30 years. She was the President and Bookkeeper for her and Don’s business, Detention Specialties, Inc.
Lynn was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Betty McCalman, and her in-laws, Frank and Grace Grimes.
She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Don Grimes; brother-in-law, Jerry (Barbara) Grimes, sister-in-law, Cheryl Bennett; sisters Bonnie Aulick (Steve), Karen Johnson, and Kim Grimaldi (Bob); stepson Ezekiel Grimes; grandson, Kyle Grimes; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lynn had many dogs over the years who will be waiting for her in Heaven, most recently her poodle, Charlie.
Lynn was always ready to lend a helping hand. She was a beloved grandmother, always had a twinkle in her eye, loved her husband, the beach, GPWs, being on their boat, fishing, scalloping, friends and family, the Gators, cooking especially baking – she made The Best baklava and bread pudding (using her mother-in-law’s coveted recipe from the Mississippi River Boat Queen), quilting, art festivals, Christmas shopping for the kids in her extended family, and Nascar. She was loved dearly and will be missed by all who knew her.
Special thanks to her sisters for their tireless vigils and especially Karen for her loving care of Lynn over the past several months.
A private celebration of Lynn’s life will be held at a later date.
He Only Takes The Best
God saw she was getting tired
And a cure was not to be.
So he put his arms around her
And whispered, “Come with me.”
With tear-filled eyes we watched her
Suffer and fade away.
Although we loved her deeply,
We could not make her stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands put to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best.
Author Unknown