Ms. Henrietta "Rhetta" Grey

Henrietta, “Rhetta,” Chasman Grey died peacefully at Brookside Commerce on July 13, 2022. She simply closed her eyes, drifted off and didn’t wake up just as she had always prayed for. She was a blessing to many for 98 incredible years. Rhetta was born July 1, 1924 in Flushing, NY to the late Frieda Bonuck and Jacob Joseph Chasman. Rhetta graduated from Trinity College, San Antonio Texas, then joined the Executive Training Program for Bloomingdale’s Department Store in New York City. She married the late Robert “Bob” Paul Grey (Goldman) upon his return from his US Army Air Corps station overseas and they moved to Anna Maria Island, Florida to operate a landing strip and flight school. A year later, they moved to Sarasota, Florida where Bob taught in a flight school at Sarasota Airport. Rhetta became interested in building houses when, under her supervision, they built their first home there. Over her lifetime, Rhetta continued to build houses, designing and building their own as well as spec houses. When her children, Leslie Cylla and Terry Lynn were young, she sewed their clothes and also sewed professionally. She also used her sewing skills over the years as a volunteer for various theatre groups. After Bob’s job as a flight instructor, he took the position of consulting engineer and company pilot for Ray R. Litrell’s Mid Georgia Natural Gas Company. In time and at Rhetta’s urging, Bob Grey bought the company and eventually the family moved to Athens, GA for him to more conveniently run his business. They had also bought a cabin, which Rhetta renovated, on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, GA and spent weekends there. Rhetta later lived in a house she built on Bell Mountain, also in Hiawassee, where she enjoyed a spectacular view and an occasional surprise visit from a bear. She was an active member of Congregation Children of Israel in Athens, enjoyed services at Unity, sang with the Sweet Adelines, was a talented fiber artist and enthusiastic world traveler. Later in life, she went to school for and became certified as a massage therapist. She enjoyed teaching friends and family how to sew, knit, needlepoint and all things craft-y. She rarely came empty handed for a visit and was known for her delicious home baked pumpkin and zucchini breads. Ms. Grey was preceded in death by her loving stepmother, Freda Fishman Chasman, who lived with her in Athens during her most senior years. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Bernard Chasman, her sister Annette “Nan” Feldman and beloved daughter, Terry Lynn Grey. Ms. Grey is survived by her daughter, Leslie Cylla Grey Lamb (Jack) and was affectionately called “Gram” by surviving granddaughter, Rachel Calysta Kitchens-Cole (Don), and three great-grandchildren: Terry Jane “TJ” Cole, Julian Westbrook Cole and Casey Jack “CJ” Cole of Lawrenceville, GA. When asked about herself, Rhetta would proudly say, “I’ve lived an interesting life.” She will be missed. A havdalah memorial service is planned for August 27th at Congregation Children of Israel. For those wishing to honor Rhetta’s memory through donations, please feel free to donate to your favorite charitable cause. She would love that.

Ms. Henrietta "Rhetta" Grey

July 1, 1924 - July 13, 2022