Mary Kathryn Grigson

Mary Kathryn “Kathy” Grigson, 67, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on August 16, 2021, from complications of atherosclerosis. Born on Christmas Day in 1953 in Texarkana, Texas, Kathy was the daughter of the late Dr. James "Jim" Paul Grigson Jr. and Mary (Stone) Strief, who survives her.

Kathy grew up in Dallas and attended Richardson High School before pursuing law studies at Southern Methodist University. Exceptionally intelligent and gifted, she excelled in her studies and went on to work in a law office. But her adventurous spirit soon led her to change direction. Known for her striking beauty and zest for life, she left behind the idea of a law career to become a flight attendant with Braniff International Airways—a decision that opened the door to what would become a lifetime of freedom, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.

Travel became her greatest passion. In fact, she spent more time abroad than she did at home in the U.S. She lived fully as a citizen of the world, building friendships across the globe. She especially loved India, cherished her time in Egypt, where she climbed to the top of the Great Pyramid of Giza, skied the slopes of Banff in Alberta, Canada, and danced joyfully in Jamaica. Along the way, she delighted in trying foods from around the world, savoring each new flavor as a way of learning and embracing the cultures she loved so deeply. She spoke eight languages fluently (thirteen in total) and explored many religions, always open to learning, growing, and experiencing life from new perspectives.

Kathy was married four times, each chapter adding to the richness of her story. One of her earliest professional roles was as a gourmet food buyer for upscale grocer Simon David, the oldest gourmet and specialty foods store in Dallas, Texas, and a long-time specialty retail brand and division of Tom Thumb. There, her passion for fine cuisine blossomed. A remarkable cook herself, she found joy in creating and sharing meals with others.

She was a light and a blessing to everyone whose life she touched. Loved by all who knew her, she lived with a generosity that knew no bounds. If a friend was in need, she would drop everything to be there. If someone needed shelter, her home always had a place for them. Her kindness, loyalty, and compassion were the hallmarks of her life.

She also had a lifelong soft spot for animals in need. Kathy would stop her car to rescue an injured animal—birds, turtles, dogs, cats—and take them home or to the vet, giving them safety and love. Her compassion for the vulnerable was as much a part of her as her adventurous spirit.

She loved simple pleasures too—playing cards and board games with family and friends, often turning those moments into laughter-filled gatherings that reflected her fun-loving spirit.

Kathy was enormously strong—mentally and emotionally—and loved nothing more than deep, meaningful conversations with friends. She was never judgmental, always open-minded, and embraced life with courage, generosity, and a zest for adventure.

She is survived by her mother, Mary Strief; her siblings, Lee Grigson and Vicky (Grigson) Ready; her daughter, Heisha Freeman, and her husband, Anthony; and her beloved grandson, Austin. She was preceded in death by her father, Jim Grigson, and her brother, Gregory "Greg" Grigson.

Kathy was cremated, and according to her wishes, her ashes will be scattered in Mountain Home, Arkansas, where her grandmother’s family is from, and where she found peace in the Ozark Mountains she loved so dearly. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the charity of your choice in her memory.

Her life was like lightning in a bottle—brilliant, rare, and unforgettable. Kathy’s adventurous spirit, radiant beauty, open heart, and boundless generosity will live on in the countless lives she touched around the world.