Women's History Month Spotlights - Jamie and Shirley

How long have you been part of the Mason community? 

JAMIE: I was born at the Mason Hospital on Ash Street - Currently a parking lot for Methodist Church! nearly 65 years ago.

What is your favorite thing about Mason?

JAMIE: The People! My family and wonderful staff foremost, and much gratitude for those involved at churches, service clubs, and indie businesses.

Favorite women in history and maybe a few of your favorite books by women authors…

JAMIE: Women in History: Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, Gloria Steinem. Some favorite women authors:  Adult:  Laura Hillenbrand, (Seabiscuit, Unbroken)  Alexandra Fuller (Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight:An African Childhood), Childrens; Madeleine L'Engle, Sandra Boynton. Locally I've read all of Lansing Author Erin Bartels books and hosted her at Bestsellers Bookclub 5 times!

Today our agency remembers Shirley and all the love she gave to our local community by helping local causes and charities accomplish their missions - 'a one-women champion of causes’ is often how she was described.

Below is a highlight about Shirley from the Mason Chambers, as she was the Hometown Award Champion in 2022. 

In conjunction with the experiences encountered throughout one’s life, Shirley will be best remembered for her outpouring of love and support to the Mason Michigan and Surrounding Communities in the involvement of causes and charities to which she held near and dear to her own heart in her later years.

Certainly earning the self proclaimed title of ‘Angel Lady’, Shirley began her service commitment to causes like The Angel House in Lansing, Michigan, and later focusing her efforts on The Mason Michigan community with her active involvement in The Mason Area Chamber Of Commerce, The Mason Optimist Club, The Golden ‘K’ Club Of The Mason Kiwanis, The Nights Angels Of The Mason Nights Of Columbus, The Rotary Club and The Woman’s Club Of St. James Catholic Church In Mason, where she was a member her entire residency in Mason, just to name a few, earning distinction along the way.

She was named the 2004 Ingham County Community News Agnes Corner Volunteer Of The Year, the 2005 Capital Area United Way Adult Volunteer Of The Year, the 2008 Mason Area Chamber Of Commerce Citizen Of The Year and the 2009 Mason Optimist Of The Year. Additionally, Shirley received Mayoral Proclamations from The City Of Mason for her efforts proclaiming February 28th, 2008, and August 22nd, 2013, as ‘Shirley Grieve Day’.

She was also commended for her efforts in The Michigan House Of Representatives Congressional Record on June 22nd, 2004. In the past few years, Shirley most enjoyed all her efforts; however, had a special place in her heart for the City Of Mason Fire Department, The Mason Area Chamber Of Commerce, and The Ingham County Sheriff’s Department ‘Shop With A Hero Program’, not to mention the many ‘Spaghetti Dinner’ Fundraisers at the A&W. She held dear the many friendships she established along the way and gave more of herself than most people can adequately contemplate.

Described within The Michigan Congressional Record in 2004 as ‘a one-woman champion of causes’ she will greatly missed, but never forgotten, as her legacy is cemented within the hearts of all that knew her.