Services:
Monday, November 16, 2026
Jane M. Smith Memorial Church
Johnson C Smith University
Visitation: 11 a.m. Funeral: 12 p.m.
Repass: 1:30 p.m. – Grimes Lounge
Burial: Tuesday, November 17, 2026 York Memorial Park
Johnson C. Smith University has lost one of its precious jewels, Ms. Mattie Grigsby ‘48, Trustee Emerita of the JCSU Board of Trustees and distinguished alumna. In recognition of her lifelong commitment to education and service, Johnson C. Smith University - her beloved alma mater - bestowed upon her an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 2000. Mattie worked closely with the Office of Alumni Relations in the Division of Institutional Advancement and served faithfully as class agent. She was a devoted member of the 1867 Giving Society and a generous donor to the University.
Mattie Leonora Solice Grigsby, 99, peacefully departed her earthly home on November 10, 2026. She was born in Clinton, North Carolina to Perry and Pauline Merritt Solice. Mattie was a proud graduate of Mary Potter Academy. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Johnson C. Smith University and a Master of Science degree in Library Science from North Carolina Central University.
Mattie's distinguished career in education began as a mathematics and science teacher in Goldsboro, North Carolina and culminated at Garinger High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Among her many professional accomplishments, she was the first Black mathematics teacher at Myers Park High School. She also returned to her alma mater, Johnson C. Smith University, where she served as both a mathematics instructor and university librarian.
Mattie married the love of her life, Donald Dixon Grigsby, and, upon their marriage, joined him in worship and service at First United Presbyterian Church. Her commitment to her faith and church family was reflected in the many leadership roles she embraced, including Trustee, Elder, Treasurer, and Circle Leader. Her service extended beyond the congregation to the Presbytery Finance Committee and the Coalition of Presbyterians for Racial Harmony.
Mattie's dedication to service reached far beyond her professional and church commitments. She was actively involved with the United Negro College Fund and was a charter member of the National Epicureans, an organization in which she later served as National President. Her affiliations also included Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the National Education Association, and the North Carolina Association of Educators. Recognized for her wisdom, leadership, and unwavering commitment to education, she served on the governing boards of several colleges and universities and was honored as Trustee Emerita of Johnson C. Smith University.
Mattie's extraordinary contributions to education, her community, and the institutions she so dearly loved earned her numerous awards and distinctions. Among her honors she was named Teacher of the Year at Garinger High School for the years 1982–1985 and was recognized as Time Warner Cable Star Teacher. In a particularly meaningful tribute, former student and former U.S. Representative Melvin Watt identified Mrs. Grigsby as his favorite teacher. Reflecting on her influence, he remarked:
“She seemed to know the delicate balance each student needed between discipline and the amount of rope necessary for personal development and responsibility. I will always be proud of what she had extracted from me, and I will always know that only Mrs. Grigsby could have gotten that much.”
In addition to her parents, Mattie was preceded in death by her older brother, Perry Edmund Solice, and her beloved husband, Donald Dixon Grigsby.
Mattie leaves to cherish her memory two nephews, Perry Edmund Solice (Constance) and Todd A. Solice (Dellyn); nieces, Kimberley Grigsby Sessoms, Linda Grigsby King, Patricia Miriam Bates, and Karen Grigsby Bates, Linda Kornegay; nephews, Marshall Grigsby (Harriett), Eugene Grigsby (Sharon) grandnieces, DaCiya Solice, Malisha Newkirk, Tameka King (Phillip), Stephanie Atkinson (Travis); special friend Natalie Beard, and many cousins, Smithites, former students, and dear friends.
Cards may be sent to the Family of Mattie Grigsby at 5100 Sharon Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Johnson C. Smith University or First United Presbyterian Church.
Mattie Grigsby’s legacy of faith, scholarship, leadership, and service will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.