Betty Roper Grisham passed away peacefully on February 2, 2021. Betty lived a full and colorful 99 years. She was born December 14, 1921 to James & Mary McDonald Roper in Birmingham, AL. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Charles F. Grisham, to whom she was married to for 53 wonderful years. Betty is also predeceased by her beautiful daughter, Vannah Grisham Husband.
She is survived by her grandson, Kyle Robert Husband and his wife, Anna Lee Husband; her son-in-law, Floyd D. Husband; and many close family and friends.
Betty Roper Grisham lived a long and extraordinary life filled with happiness, love and endless creativity. After finishing school in Athens, Alabama, Betty attended The University of Montevallo graduating in 1942 with a degree in Fine Art and Education. After earning a Master’s degree in Fine Arts and Education from Columbia University in 1945, she went on to teach and advance the arts working with the Atlanta Museum and the Birmingham Museum of Art. She moved to Huntsville with her family in 1963 where she helped establish the Huntsville Art League, leading to the creation of the Huntsville Museum of Art.
Betty’s portfolio is an extensive and distinguished one. She was an accomplished painter, print maker, and designer with a long list of exhibitions and honors to her credit.
She truly made an enormous and enduring contribution to the culture and quality of life in Alabama. A creative life lived with a generous heart embodies the legacy of Betty Grisham.
There will be a private family service at Maple Hill Cemetery on Saturday, February 6th, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Huntsville Museum of Art; 300 Church St. SW Huntsville, AL 35801.
