Michael Grissom

A Man of Honor and Courage

"A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." -Maya Angelou

Michael Adam Grissom, affectionately called "Poppa" by family and friends, was born in Los Angeles, CA on February 20, 1946, to parents Sam and Vivian (Douglas) Grissom. Michael was the third child out of 9 (Ronald, Lonnie, Michael, Gregory, Jennifer, Sandra, Maurice, Denice, and Gary) born to this family.

Michael spent his early years in Pasadena, CA where he was also raised by his Great Aunt Lena and Uncle Adam Plant. He gave his life to Christ at an early age at Lincoln Ave. Baptist Church in Pasadena. He enjoyed hanging with his siblings as well as his best friends John Springer and Earl Andrews. They affectionately called him "Cool Pops". He attended Garfield Elementary, George Washington Junior High, and graduated from John Muir High School in 1964. In November 1965, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. In 1966, he fought in the Vietnam War. He was later honorably discharged in 1967. He was a Purple Heart recipient.

In August 1970, Michael headed to the great "Mile High", Denver, CO with his best friend Oscar "Butch" Walker. He met the love of his life, Annie Goodloe in 1970 at the "Shakes" nightclub. To this union were born Shelly D. And Michael J. He attended the Community College of Denver where he obtained his associates degree in Culinary Arts. He was employed by the City of Denver, Parkhill Golf Course, and later retired as a moving and storage laborer from the Mayflower Transit company.

In his pastime, Michael enjoyed landscaping, gardening, and watching football and court tv shows. He never turned down a game of "bones" (dominoes) and he was an avid pool player. He was always the life of the party whether it was a family gathering or a social event. Michael wasn't afraid to live his life to the fullest. He thanked God every day for the opportunity to enjoy his family and friends. Also, he never met a stranger.

Family was Michael’s greatest joy! He was a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He loved laughter and loud music. When in California, he loved spending time with his daughters Keysha and Alicia, their children, family, and friends. One of his favorite holidays was The 4th of July. As a young child, it was their family tradition to have a family reunion on that particular holiday. Also, one of his proudest moments was when he went to play "Mr. Mom" to his son Michael J. In Alabama. He enjoyed cooking, helping with the yard work, and getting to know his grandchildren.

On October 29, 2017, Michael went to church to hear his "baby girl" Shelly D. speak for a "Women's Day" program. The subject title was "Falling in Love with Jesus". From that point on, he fellowshipped with Christ the King Missionary Baptist Church until he was called home to be with the Lord.

Michael departed this life on March 31, 2020. He was 74 years strong!

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Annie Goodloe of Denver, CO; his siblings Lonnie Frierson of Denver, CO; Gregory (Shirley) Grissom of Cheyenne, WY; Sandra (Gary) Fields of Aurora, CO; Maurice (Dorothy) Grissom of Pasadena, CA; Denice Grissom of Pasadena, CA; his sister-in-law Roslyn Frierson of Denver, CO; his children Keysha D. Williams of Covina, CA; Alicia N. Grissom of Northridge, CA; Shelly D. Grissom of Denver, CO; Michael J. Grissom is Montgomery, AL; his grandchildren Bryce Potter, Andre and Cameron Dixon of Covina, CA; Allante, Jalen, Taurean, and Brice Grissom is Northridge, CA; Caleb Valenzuela of Denver's, CO; Jade Vinson, Mason and Maddix Grissom of Montgomery, AL; his great granddaughter Avery Douglas of Covina, CA; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Online Streaming : April 16, 2020 11:00 am

Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace
6601 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80220
(303) 996-0869