Tsutae Grissom

March 29, 1948 - September 18, 2021

Tsutae " Donna" Grissom, loving mother & Nana, passed away on September 18th, 2021 surrounded by her family. Donna was born March 29, 1948 in Kyoto, Japan where she resided until she moved to the United States with her mother, Yaeko "Pat" Taoka Lewis, in 1960. She eloped and married the love of her life, Charles R. Grissom, in 1967. They lived in Texas and Tennessee before making their permanent home in Orlando, Florida in 1970. Donna had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Donna, from spending time in the kitchen making her family a home cooked meal to her crossword puzzles and reading mystery novels. She enjoyed bingo, bowling, playing darts, slot machines and scratch-offs - after all, "you can't win if you never play"! She boasted the green thumb of the family, always tending to her flowers and plants. All that she planted grew to be beautiful and healthy. A self-proclaimed "cat lady", Donna loved all animals and adopted numerous stray dogs and feral cats over the years. If there were animals in her home, or even a home she was visiting, the pets seemed to find her lap. Donna was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She doted on her family and was happiest when her family surrounded her. Balancing work and being a matriarch she always found time to enjoy life and travel. She loved the sun, beach trips & cruising with her family the most. Donna loved music and dancing. When she was younger she taught ballroom dancing. Later she worked as a server, bartender, and manager for many years in several of Orlando's popular establishments which included Ranch House, Golden Rock, Ronnie's and Holiday House. Donna's battle with serious medical issues showed her courage in facing life's challenges with a smile. Throughout, she fought like a warrior, full of grace, poise, love, and toughness. Her joy for life, indomitable spirit, and the love for her family kept her pushing through the struggles of pain and discomfort. Through her, we know what resilience, bravery and perseverance truly look like. Donna is survived by her daughter Deanna Grissom (Michael Hall) of Orlando, FL and 4 step children Christopher Grissom (Dana), Elaine Martin (Dave), Shannon Perry (Tim), and Stacey West (Alan) all of Tennessee. She was a proud Nana to her grandchildren Emily Luster (Thomas), Sarah Redd (Joseph DeLaVega), Dylan Hall, Taylor Hall, Kyle Hall, David Martin (Tenara), Matt Martin, John Martin, Jake Perry (Emily), Clint Grissom, Brooke Grissom, Casey West and Collin West. Great-grandchildren Cameron Luster, Gracie Luster, Ty Martin, Caroline Martin, Luke Martin, Blakely Martin, Jax King, Philip Perry & Eloise Perry. Donna was predeceased by her husband of 47 years in 2013 Tsutae " Donna" Grissom, loving mother & Nana, passed away on September 18th, 2021 surrounded by her family. Donna was born March 29, 1948 in Kyoto, Japan where she resided until she moved to the United States with her mother, Yaeko "Pat" Taoka Lewis, in 1960. She eloped and married the love of her life, Charles R. Grissom, in 1967. They lived in Texas and Tennessee before making their permanent home in Orlando, Florida in 1970. Donna had an uncanny ability to find happiness in her daily activities. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Donna, from spending time in the kitchen making her family a home cooked meal to her crossword puzzles and reading mystery novels. She enjoyed bingo, bowling, playing darts, slot machines and scratch-offs - after all, "you can't win if you never play"! She boasted the green thumb of the family, always tending to her flowers and plants. All that she planted grew to be beautiful and healthy. A self-proclaimed "cat lady", Donna loved all animals and adopted numerous stray dogs and feral cats over the years. If there were animals in her home, or even a home she was visiting, the pets seemed to find her lap. Donna was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She doted on her family and was happiest when her family surrounded her. Balancing work and being a matriarch she always found time to enjoy life and travel. She loved the sun, beach trips & cruising with her family the most. Donna loved music and dancing. When she was younger she taught ballroom dancing. Later she worked as a server, bartender, and manager for many years in several of Orlando's popular establishments which included Ranch House, Golden Rock, Ronnie's and Holiday House. Donna's battle with serious medical issues showed her courage in facing life's challenges with a smile. Throughout, she fought like a warrior, full of grace, poise, love, and toughness. Her joy for life, indomitable spirit, and the love for her family kept her pushing through the struggles of pain and discomfort. Through her, we know what resilience, bravery and perseverance truly look like. Donna is survived by her daughter Deanna Grissom (Michael Hall) of Orlando, FL and 4 step children Christopher Grissom (Dana), Elaine Martin (Dave), Shannon Perry (Tim), and Stacey West (Alan) all of Tennessee. She was a proud Nana to her grandchildren Emily Luster (Thomas), Sarah Redd (Joseph DeLaVega), Dylan Hall, Taylor Hall, Kyle Hall, David Martin (Tenara), Matt Martin, John Martin, Jake Perry (Emily), Clint Grissom, Brooke Grissom, Casey West and Collin West. Great-grandchildren Cameron Luster, Gracie Luster, Ty Martin, Caroline Martin, Luke Martin, Blakely Martin, Jax King, Philip Perry & Eloise Perry. Donna was predeceased by her husband of 47 years in 2013. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Donna on Saturday, October 9th anytime from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a service being held for her at 6 PM. Location will be 6801 Scythe Ave, Orlando, 32812. In honor of Donna please wear her favorite color - purple. We invite you to bring a photo of yourself with Donna or a story to share in her memory book.