Carol Ann Grayson
Born: October 8th, 1939
Died: September 8th, 2017
Obituary
Obituary for Carol Ann Grayson
Carol Ann Grayson
October 8, 1939 - September 8, 2017
Carol Ann Grayson, age 77, passed away on Friday, September 8, 2017, gaining freedom from pain after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Her final days were spent surrounded by loved ones.
Carol was born in Oildale, California, on October 8, 1939, to Frank Wakefield Percival and Mary Gladys Percival and built her life in Bakersfield, where she attended North High School and married her husband of 60 years, Bob Grayson in 1956. Carol is survived by her devoted husband; her brothers, Eric and Frankie Percival; her children, Bobby Grayson, Cheryl Vernon, and Terri Kaspar; and their respective partners, Vicki Rose, Stuart Vernon, and James Kaspar. She also leaves behind five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Geraldine Vizzolini; and her brother, Allen Percival.
During her life, Carol enjoyed painting and nature and had an enormous love for animals – especially her dog, C.D., and her favorite racehorse, Wartime. The size of her heart could often be witnessed through the love and care she extended to everyone she encountered, all of whom she treated like family. Carol's hallmarks included her infallible and witty sense of humor that could brighten the darkest of days and her tendency to cook for an army, her specialties being southern-fried chicken and lemon meringue pies. Carol loved the holidays and spending time with her family and was known for going to great lengths in decorating, cooking, and gift-giving.
Services will be held on Thursday, September 14th, at 10 a.m. at Greenlawn Northeast on River Boulevard in Bakersfield, California, followed by a graveside service at Shafter Cemetery at 12 p.m. A gathering to celebrate her life will be held at Hodel's thereafter. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.