Glennis Griner

Glennis Griner, a beacon of faith and love, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, in Greenville, SC, at the age of 87. She was born in Luray, Missouri in 1938. Her parents were farmers, and she and her brother Charles grew up milking cows, gathering eggs and feeding the pigs. Many of her close childhood friends still live in northeastern Missouri, but Glennis met Bill Smith on a blind date and she left Missouri for married life in Kentucky in 1958. She and Bill had four children having moved back to Missouri in 1959.

Glennis always wanted more than a high school education, and in 1980 she earned her bachelor's degree from Winthrop College. She did this while working full time, taking care of three children at home (2 of them teenage sons), and doing the books for Bill’s business. She became a Certified Public Accountant. Glennis’ kids (mostly) moved out and got families of their own. She and Bill moved around the East, South Carolina to Tennessee, back to South Carolina, up to New Jersey, and finally settled in Charleston South Carolina. Glennis took a job in the 1990s that had her flying all around the world training law firm administrators on accounting software. She finally retired a few years after Bill’s death in 2002. She remarried and moved to North Carolina, came back to South Carolina to live with her eldest daughter and then her son in 2013. Glennis will be remembered as a woman whose faith-filled life was a source of inspiration and comfort to all who knew her. She navigated life's challenges with grace and always remained a steadfast pillar for her family. Her legacy is one of love, compassion, and an unshakable trust in the goodness of people and the providence of life.

She is survived by a loving and extensive family who will continue to honor her memory and the values she instilled in them. Glennis's brother, Chuck, and his wife, Judy Frank. Her oldest daughter, Susan, and her husband, David Hallatt, remember Glennis as a guiding light, while her granddaughter Heather Hallatt, and great-granddaughter Samantha and her husband Jordan Sheers, along with great-grandsons Daniel Charlesley and Amy Cortis, and Martin Tresidder, cherish the wisdom she imparted. Her great-great-grandchildren Enzo, Eden, Ayla, and Alyssa will grow up hearing stories of their beloved ancestors. Her grandson Paul and his wife, Anita, along with great-grandson Luke and his wife, Kim Hallatt, will miss her nurturing presence. Great-great-grandchildren Iris and Lyra, and great-granddaughter Hannah and her husband, Phil Anthony, with their child Maisie, will hold onto the legacy of kindness and faith that Glennis embodied. Her oldest son, Gary Smith, and his wife, Dianna Smith, are grateful for the steadfast love and support Glennis provided, as are her grandson Keith and his wife, Candy Smith. Her great-grandchildren, including Julis Smith, Kylie Smith(Josh Weeks), Makayla Smith(Zach Soloman) and Justin Smith, and Meghan Smith will remember her as a cornerstone of the family. Glennis was predeceased by Daniel Smith. Glennis's youngest son, Clint, and his wife, Teri Smith, alongside their children, granddaughter Kinsey and her husband, Shawn Bragg, and grandson Tanner and his wife, Claudia Smith, will hold dear the countless moments of joy and guidance they shared with her. Glennis's youngest daughter, Sharlla (deceased), is survived by her husband, Rodney Smith, and their children, granddaughter Sandra and her husband, Nate Stevens, whose daughters Raylinn and Renley Stevens will learn of their great-grandmother's remarkable spirit, and grandson Mike Smith, who will carry forward her legacy of faith.

Glennis was always a spiritual person, and was actively involved with many churches throughout her life. She was occasionally known to preach to her children and grandchildren, but mostly let them form their own spiritual lives. Her love for her children knew no bounds, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren made her heart sing every time she saw them.

Many people who knew Glennis came to love her. As Frank L. Baum said, “A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.” Glennis’ heart was as big as Texas, and her family and friends will miss her deeply.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 3 PM at the Cremation Society of SC - Westville Funerals, 6010 White Horse Rd, Greenville, SC 29611.