In Memoriam: Carolyn Grinnell

Article by UDaily staff November 16, 2021

Community remembers long-time executive secretary in the Office of the President

Carolyn V. Grinnell, who served as executive secretary for University of Delaware President E.A. Trabant for many years, passed away on Oct. 30, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was 84.

Carolyn V. Grinnell

Mrs. Grinnell joined the UD community as executive secretary to President Trabant in 1970. She spent her career at the University in the Office of the President, working with Trabant until his retirement, as well as with presidents Russel C. Jones and David Roselle. She retired in 1991.

Ron Whittington, retired University administrator who teaches in the University Honors College, said, “I was saddened to learn of her passing,” noting that they were both from the same community in Wilmington and that he knew her most of his life. Calling her “exceptional,” he said she was the University’s first Black executive secretary. “I will always remember her charm as she greeted people visiting the office,” he said. “On my first day as executive assistant to the president, she whispered to me, ‘Don’t worry. I will always have your back.’ I will truly miss her.”

Carolyn Grinnell at her desk in Hullihen Hall in a 1985 University of Delaware photo, courtesy of the University of Delaware Archives and Records Management

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, she received her early education in the Wilmington public school system and graduated from Howard High School. She received a business administration degree from OIC Inc.

A member of the Mt. Joy United Methodist Church since childhood, she was involved in many activities there including service with the Holy Communion Stewards for more than 25 years, Church Garden Committee associated with the Delaware Horticulture Society, the Worship Committee, the Women’s Ministry and HIV AIDS Ministry with Beautiful Gate. She also served as administrative secretary for more than 25 years, retiring from that position in 2016.

Mrs. Grinnell was a member of several organizations, including the Sassy Cardinals Red Hat Society, the South Wilmington Adult Senior Program and the Eastlawn Civic Association.

According to her family, her favorite pastimes were spending time with her family and traveling. She and her husband of 40 years, the late William H. Grinnell Sr., traveled throughout the United States and abroad. Avid Eagles fans, they hosted football parties at their home and always had season tickets.

Mrs. Grinnell is survived by her son, Reginald Grinnell; brother, Allen A. Rider (Sylvia Rider); grandchildren William Elder, Reginald Elder, Kinira Allen (Dean), Keenon Grinnell, Shanda Williams (Tamal), Zachary Bridgeforth and Reginald Grinnell-Congo; great-grandchildren, Michael Scaggs, Tyler Allen, Tahj Lenoir, Kaydence Allen, Israel Congo-Thomas, Aliyah Grinnell, Navia Grinnell, Reginae Grinnell, Mallory Lenoir, Shiah Lenoir, Mone Allen and Travon Lenoir, as well as many caregivers, companions, relatives and friends.

To read her full obituary or leave condolences online, visit the Wright Mortuary website.