Louise Woolfolk Grayson

Long time Cleveland/Shaker Heights resident, Louise Woolfolk Grayson, peacefully transitioned in her sleep at her home of 61 years, on November 19, 2023. She was just shy of her 98^th birthday.

Born in Caroline County, Virginia, Louise was the seventh of eight children, born to the late Hallie and Nettie Wright Woolfolk.

Louise met and married her husband, Anderson, in 1945 in Washington, D.C. She and Anderson moved to Cleveland where he completed law school and practiced until his demise in November, 1967.

Louise and Anderson participated in the great 1963 March on Washington as well as local civic activities in the Civil Rights Movement.

She was a founding member and officer of the Barristers’ Wives Club for many years and worked tirelessly with Forest City Hospital staff to raise funds for the only Black hospital at that time.

Louise was known for her culinary skills and enjoyed preparing her signature dishes, hosting large gatherings for family and friends. She was also famous for being a “fashionista extraordinaire”, ahead of her time, having designed several formal gowns for herself and close friends.

Louise leaves behind one sister, Beatrice, two daughters, Patricia and Antoinette, two sons, Ian and Andy, who predeceased her, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Louise loved her church and was awarded a plaque for outstanding service there. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Louise’s name to her church, East View United Church of Christ, 17300 Van Aken Blvd. Shaker Heights, Ohio 44120.  Please also visit the website (https://www.brown-forward.com/) where you can view photos and leave and read messages of love and hope.

We’ve lost one of Cleveland-Shaker Heights finest and a True Virtuous Woman of God (Proverbs 31:10-31).

A graveside service will be held out of town in the Spring of 2024.