/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/636/403274/dAW3P45mRYRx7BaRimage2.png)
Obituary For Eli Grayson
Our beloved father, Coach Eli Grayson (Ekie), 91, of Jackson, MS., passed away at home peacefully on the 22nd of January 2024.
He was born on August 8th, 1932, to Eli Sr and Fannie Nero Grayson on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Indian reservation in Beggs, Oklahoma.
He graduated from Wheatley School in 1950, where they brought home the Oklahoma State Highschool Football Championship for Colored schools. He left for Jackson, Miss. in 1950 with his brother Jimmy and three other classmates under the encouragement of Coach Alvin Coleman, who left Wheatley School the same year to coach for Jackson State College and teach science.
He started Jackson State College in 1950 joining the Tiger's Basketball team under Coach TB Ellis. He graduated in 1965, majoring in Physical Education. He would later graduate with a master's degree in education.
He married Baby-Ruth Anderson of Jackson in 1951, adding to their family the first of 8 children over the next several decades.
Eli began his professional career teaching and coaching in the mid-1950s in rural colored schools in the Mississippi Delta, followed by McGee, Carter and Rosa Scott, before coaching and teaching for Provine High School for 20 years in Jackson.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 73 years, Baby Ruth Grayson, his children, Cheryl Williams, of Houston, Tx., Gwendolyn Mitchell of Dominguez Hills, Ca., Steve Grayson, of Jackson, Ms., Juliette Grayson of Atlanta, Ga., Beverly Lisa Dorsey of Atlanta, Ga., David Grayson of Hattiesburg, Ms., Eli Jr. of Tulsa, Ok., and Elizabeth and Kennis Bourne of St. Louis, Missouri. He leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, and a host nieces and nephews all whom he loved unconditionally. He also leaves behind a host of special friends, including Eddie Jackson and Jessie Mangum.
Makayat, "Kot Pvchowe Tvrpv Ocit Nomat Tvmki Vyit Fekapis."
"Oh, that I had the wings of a dove, I would fly away and be at rest."
Public visitation will be held on Friday, February 9th, 2024, at Westhaven Funeral Home – Jackson Branch, from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday February 10 2024, at 1:00 p.m., Westhaven Funeral Home Chapel, 3580 Robinson St, Jackson MS 39209.
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence
Shelia Blount sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Eli Grayson - February 08, 2024
To Lisa and Juliette, may your Dad rest in peace, your family is in our prayers. We love you guys. Aubrey and Shelia Blount.
Diane Grayson sent Blossoms in Vogue for Eli Grayson - February 07, 2024
To my Grayson family my prayers to you all my God bless and continue to keep you all my Love James Grayson & Family
My deepest condolences to the Grayson family. Praying for God's comfort & strength. Sending love to you, Liz, my friend. Varolyn Berry Petty
Condolences to the entire Grayson Family. Miss you Coach Grayson. (Provine HS Class of 1984).
To Mrs. Grayson and the Grayson faimily i extend condolences. I had the pleasure of meeting Coach Grayson. Coach Grayson and Mrs. Grayson impacted so many lives in so many positive ways. Let us uplift and treasure his many memories. To Mrs Grayson and the Grayson family be encouraged by the comfort and blessings of the Holy Spirit. Ellis Hays and family.
To Mrs. Grayson and the Grayson faimily i extend condolences. I had the pleasure of meeting Coach Grayson. Coach Grayson and Mrs. Grayson impacted so many lives in so many positive ways. Let us uplift and treasure his many memories. To Mrs Grayson and the Grayson family be encouraged by the comfort and blessings of the Holy Spirit. Ellis Hays and family.
My Condolences to the Grayson Family! 💐
Danny(Danky) Mason!
I'm lifting the family up in prayer and pray that God will comfort the family. He was a good friend to my father and they were members of the Capital City Sports Club for many years. And they were also very proud supporter's of the Jackson State University Athletics Program, especially basketball and football.
Pastor Arthur A. Sutton Pastor Frank L. Sutton, Sr Evangelist Doris Sutton Coleman
May God grant you peace,serenity, and strength during your bereavement. Descendants of Sylvester/Irene Davis and Bobbie Jean Davis-Currie
My condolences and prayers are with the family. Jessie Pamplin Class of 1980 Jim Hill.
I offer my condolences to the family of Mr.Grayson,a kind man who possessed a kind spirit,while pursuing excellence in life,thru excellence in the classroom,athletic setting and of course his family,I was blessed to know him while I was a youngster and admired him as a neighbor to my grandparents,aunts and uncle with nothing but complimentary praises of him,his family,was,are someones that I always admired and looked forward to seeing,I extend the most sincere gratitude for having to have known him,on behalf of my mother Jerelene(Vaughn)Ford,my brother Harold Ford,and myself Derrick Ford,I pray that you find comfort and strength,through prayer and memories of time shared with this great man,love you all--Derrick Ford
To my family in Mississippi, I offer my deepest condolences on the loss of your loved one. May God give you strength and understanding during this difficult time. We love you and are praying for you. James, Diane, Brandy, Jasmine, and Thomas Grayson of Tulsa, OK.
We offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Grayson family. I have known Ekie and his loving family all of my life; so thankful for the love and friendship. Remember his teachings, the lessons he taught, the memories will carry you forward as God wrap his loving arms of comfort around you.❤️🙏🏽 Sarah Vaughn & Jackie Vaughn Butler
My Condolences to Coach Grayson's Family Taught Social Studies Class of '77
My Condolences to Coach Grayson's Family Taught Social Studies Class of '77
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
