Virginia Bell Grams

Virginia Bell Neubert Grams, age 95, peacefully passed away July 2, 2016 at the Record Street Home for Ladies, a caring loving community that she was proud to call her home.

From her birth on May 11, 1921 to her death on Saturday, she shared her passion for life, her faith in God and her love of family with those around her. She was a champion for the underserved in our world, an advocate for the elderly and, most recently, took up the cause to make life better for the vision-impaired in the Frederick Community. Her passion for this cause resulted in the recent visual markings to the challenging stoops in front of many downtown Frederick businesses.

Born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where she spent most of her adult life, Virginia raised five children on her own, at a time when there was little compassion and even less help for women in that situation. She accomplished this by working various factory jobs, always the day shift, so she could be home with her kids at night. She supplemented her income and celebrated her artistic talents by decorating and selling beautiful cakes. Many brides came to her door hoping for the one cake that would make their wedding day perfect. Virginia never disappointed. Her incredible work ethic and determination helped her survive these days, enhanced by her faith in God and her Forest Avenue Baptist Church community, where she was a longstanding member.

At age 63, she made a courageous move to Rancho Mirage, California, knowing hardly a soul, but eager to begin a new life away from the snow. She found her spiritual home at the First Baptist Church of Palm Desert, quickly developing deep and longstanding friendships with her community there.

The California desert was her home for 25 years. Her next adventure was a move to her current home in Frederick. True to her nature, she embraced her community, found her faith base at the Ambassador Baptist Church, developed and nurtured true friendships with people of all ages and many walks of life. Virginia became a driving force at the Select Seconds Hospital Thrift Shop.

She spent many wonderful summers in Pentwater, Michigan, visiting family and reconnecting with friends. True to her faith, she found a home at the First Baptist Church, where she made herself useful working in the Kitchen Food Pantry which benefited the less fortunate.

Virginia’s zest for life, accepting nature and vivacious personality will be deeply missed by friends and family, from the east to west coast and places in between. She was loved.

She is survived by her five children, Yvonne G. Reinsch (Earl James), Robert V. Grams, Jr. (Karen), Alan D. Grams (Kathleen), Alvin E. Grams (Vicki), and William G. Grams (Pamela); four siblings, Netia Haydon, Jean Henson, William Neubert and Nancy Bedwell; six grandchildren, Timothy Grams, Michael Grams, Robert Grams, III, Jessica Grams, Cody Grams, and Griffin Grams; two step-grandchildren, Wendy Reinsch, and Steven Reinsch; family member and friend Helen Reinsch; six Great-Grandchildren, six step-great-grandchildren, two step-great-great grand-children, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Jennie (Ashton) Neubert, her brother David Neubert, her sister Della Rawson, and her infant son Timothy.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 6, at the Keeney and Basford Funeral Home, 106 Church St., Frederick, MD from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

A memorial service is will be held at the funeral home Thursday morning, July 7, at 10:00 am.

A reception will be held at Whitaker Campus Center, Hood College, 401 Rosemont Avenue in Frederick, immediately following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Record Street Home, 115 Record Street, Frederick, MD, 21701; Ambassador Baptist Church, 216 Carroll Parkway, Frederick, MD 20701; or the First Baptist Church of Pentwater, 101 S. Rush Street, Pentwater, MI, 49449.