February 2, 2026, 95, Goldsboro – Evangeline Lancaster Grimes, 95, lovingly known as “Vanny,” went home to be with her Lord and Savior and her beloved family on Monday, February 2, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at The Indigo in Pikeville. Vanny was born in Wayne County on January 14, 1931, to the late Zeb and Alene Lancaster.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years and the love of her life, Joe Richard Grimes, Sr.; her daughter, Penny Alene Grimes; her son, Joe Richard Grimes, Jr.; her brothers, Zeb Lancaster, Jr., Ralph Lancaster, Clifton Lancaster, Lynn Lancaster and Ray Lancaster; and her sister, Mary Alice Ham.
Vanny’s one true love was her husband, Richard, whom she met when she was just 17 years old. Together, they built a life rooted in love, hard work, and faith. They shared many happy years farming, fishing, and spending time with their family. Vanny especially cherished fishing trips with Richard to the coast, often returning home with their catch to share and sell fresh seafood within the community. For many years, they also raised and sold fresh vegetables, blessing others through their labor and generosity. Vanny worked tirelessly and took great pride in providing a loving, Christian home for her family.
A devoted woman of faith, Vanny was a longtime member of Belfast Pentecostal Holiness Church in Goldsboro, where she faithfully served in many church ministries. She had a deep desire for everyone she met to know the Lord she loved and served so wholeheartedly, and she freely shared God’s love with all.
Vanny never met a stranger—if she didn’t know you, she soon would. She was gifted with conversation and had a genuine joy in connecting with others. Her strong personality and lively spirit perfectly complemented Richard’s gentle nature, making them truly meant for one another.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 6, 2026 from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with Pastor Steve Jones and her daughter, Vicki Mozingo officiating. Interment will be in the Pate Family Cemetery.
She is survived by her daughters, Linda Carol Clark of New Bern, Alice Woodard of Pikeville, and Vicki Mozingo of Goldsboro; her son, Shannon Grimes and wife Angela of Smithfield; four grandchildren, Dana Woodard, Jr. and wife Jennifer, Danielle Clark Ward and husband Richie, Kayla Bays, and Dalton Thompson; and nine great-grandchildren, Taylor Woodard, Logan Woodard, Landon Woodard, Conner McKinney, Mattie McKinney, Rylee Jo Koonce, Easton Ward, Aaron Bays and Haisley. She is also survived by her brother, Wade Lancaster, and her sisters, Peggy Rhew and Joan Kearney.
Vanny’s life was a beautiful testimony of faith, love, and service. She will be deeply missed, but her family rejoices in knowing she is now rejoicing in Heaven with her Lord and those who have gone before her.
The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care shown to Vanny, and to the dedicated staff of Indigo of Pikeville. Your kindness, care, and attentiveness to her needs brought great comfort and are deeply appreciated by the family. The family would also like to thank Jenny Rowe and Vicky Griffin for all the love they have shown the family through the years.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in her memory to The Indigo of Pikeville, 5383 US Hwy. 117 North, Pikeville, NC 27863.
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