Janean Grissom

Lena "Janean" Grissom, 89 of Taiban, NM received her angel wings on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 in Midland, Texas. Her family was at her bedside. Janean was born May 8, 1933 in Clovis, NM to the home of Eugene “Buck” and Mabel Ayers Ellison. She grew up in Bovina, Texas.

Janean married C.W Grissom Feb 24, 1951 in Yuma Arizona. When Janean married C.W. they moved to Taiban in 1956. As per her nature, she continuously adapted, spending her time cooking, helping on the ranch, refurbishing furniture, painting, she even remodeled the barn! She never had idle hands- she was always working! She was an excellent seamstress that made all of her children's clothing: formal gowns, school clothes, cheerleading uniforms, rodeo outfits and more. Her daughter Kathy could never find pants that were long enough, so she was extremely grateful for her mothers gift as a seamstress. Her cooking was out of this world! If you hadn't had Janean’s biscuits and gravy, you missed out! After her kids graduated high-school, she went to work as District Court Clerk for De Baca County for 32 years from 1977-2009. 

Her most glowing accomplishment was motherhood. Janean was the best mom anyone could ever ask for. She never complained and was always happy to help. She always made the best with what she had and wanted very little, raising her kids the same.

Janean was a charter member of Powderhorn Cowbells. As Co-founder of Billy the Kid Outlaw Gang, she was interviewed by Sam Donaldson for Smithsonian. She served on the Mental Health Resources Board of Directors from 1977-1980. She was also an active member in the Taiban Ladies Club and refurbished the old Taiban Church. 

Janean is preceded in death by her parents, a sister Pat Read and a brother Howard Ellison.

Janean is survived by her husband of 72 years, C.W. Grissom, son Dwain Grissom, daughters Peggy (Merle) Spence, Kathy (John T.) Basinger; Grandchildren, Wesley (Laci) Higgins, Ashley Baker and Brooke (Charlie) Kronschnabel; Great Grandchildren, Aleigha, Paizley & Lyleigh Higgins, Degan Baker Duvall, Christian & Charlotte Kronschnabel. Immense gratitude to Irene Torres for the many years of love she has blessed our family with in caring for Janean and C.W.

Cremation will take place. A memorial will be held at a later date in Fort Sumner, NM with interment at Fort Sumner Cemetery.