Nita Brewster Grier
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Nita Brewster Grier of Lawrence, KS, formerly from Haven, KS, passed away on April 3, 2019. She was born to Fay & Ray Brewster in 1929 and had 3 siblings; Doris B. Swift (deceased), Charles Brewster (deceased), and Ina May B. Fakhoury. Nita married Paul Grier in 1951 and often said that was one of the best decisions she ever made in her life. She is survived by her three children; Judy Grier Eckhart (and AJ Eckhart), Sara Grier (and Tom Pistorius), and Jim Grier. Nita also had six grandchildren; Leah Pistorius, Chris Grier, Benjamin Grier, Jonathon Grier (deceased), Sam Grier, and Paul Pistorius … and she was very proud of each of them. As her sister Ina May put it, Nita had a great faith and came from a family of realists.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Presbyterian Manor, 1429 Kasold Dr., Lawrence, KS 66049 and designate your donation to go to either the Good Samaritan Fund or the Employee Education Fund and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Comments can be shared with the family at https://warrenmcelwain.com/obituary. “Your mother is always with you … she’s the place you come from, your first home, and the map you follow with every step you take.” (author unknown)
Sara, I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. I wish for you the strength to transition from this period of incredible sadness into one filled with the comfort of cherishing your many happy memories of her. Thinking of you and yours.
Dear Sara, Judy and Jim–
Your mother was indeed a ‘force to be reckoned with’ to all of us. I have been waiting for this since her wonderful post on Facebook. I know you all will be OK with this–her life had really gone down hill and she was so ready to go. We had such good times together and I loved my trips to Lawrence and on to KC. Losing mother is always so sad–she was certainly a good mother. I loved that she always told it like it was–no whitewash!! Well, I could go on and on, but you all know how I feel even though our time together hadn’t happened in a while. I have wonderful memories!!
My deepest sympathy to all of you!! Love you all, Dixie
Judy, Sara and Jim,
We enjoyed Nita immensely. She lit up a room with her presence. She was a reader, a seamstress, a planner of gatherings and inclusive. She made a difference in the lives of others. She knew how to celebrate. Paul and she raised a wonderful family and her social family was large. She lived life fully and was also aware that there would be a time of closure. She shared both and in doing so, she prepared others for her death. Our sympathy to you in your loss.
Elwyn and Lucille Taylor
To Judy and all of Nita’s family,
The pleasure of getting to know Nita over the years was a true gift. We had the best talks and definitely had plans for world domination…I’m not sure I can pull it off by myself, but I will sure try! She was an amazing woman and clearly influenced many with her actions. I will miss her so much. Take care and dwell in the best of your many wonderful memories.
To all of Nita’s family,
Nita was an inspiring person. I so enjoyed the Sunday hymn sing at the WVF and the costume/potluck. I really missed those events after the “flood” that changed so many activities for us. I spent many hours at the camp playing with various people; music and oh the games! I’ll always think of Nita and Doris as wonderful friends.
And they were friends to my father, Gene Clemmons, when he came to his first festival. They had good times playing music and visiting.
I’ll remember those good times every time I go to WVF.
Keeping all of you in my thoughts, Kathy
Nita will truly be missed. She was one of a kind. Nita loved to laugh. She enjoyed life and seldom let anything get her down. Nita was adventurous as well. Condolences to the family.
Nita was a ray of sunshine when I volunteered. I looked forward to hearing about her projects. She was a talented lady. She will be missed. So sorry for your loss.
What a sad day for you all and for those who knew Nita. I loved listening to her play her music growing up. Prayers for you all.
Judy, Sara & Jim:
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Sincerest condolences and best wishes.
Mark & Debi Geffert
Dearest Sarah, Jim and Judy, Nita was an angel on earth. I enjoyed her precious face, her kind and giving personality, and joi de vive! She has passed these traits to you three. How grateful we are to have spend time at Grier Swift et al campsite at the Walnut Valley Festivals. We’ve been looking at photos of Winfield events. Nita was a gift from God! We are grateful for the time we had together enjoying living the good life. At ninety years of age, Alex Usher sends her condolences.
Love always and forever,
Josee and David Usher
So sorry to hear of Nita’s passing. I think back to those days on Main Street in Haven and Grier/Swift corner at Winfield.
To Judy, Sara, Jim and families
I don’t always get my newspapers read as I should, but I just read about Nita’s passing. Although I knew some of you in high school, and was very familiar with the pharmacy/soda fountain, we didn’t get to know Nita until we started to go to Church with her at Haven UMC. She was a most interesting person, and we became friends with her, and with Paul. We haven’t seen her much since she left Haven, but we will never forget her. It was a blessing to have had her in our lives.