With a great sense of sadness, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is informing Kentuckians that her maternal grandmother, Elsie Crawford Case, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2015, surrounded by family.
Case was 84 years old. She is survived by two children, seven grand-children, eight great-grandchildren, one brother and three sisters.
“Granny was my biggest fan and fiercest advocate, and knowing she was in my corner always gave me the strength and confidence to dream big and work to make it a reality,” said Grimes.
Case earned a fan base of her own during Grimes’ 2011 campaign for the office of Secretary of State, filming commercials and encouraging citizens to vote in the election alongside Thelma Lundergan McHugh, Grimes’ late paternal grandmother. In 2014, Case expanded her presence, using Facebook and Twitter accounts and her “Grannies for Grimes” initiative to champion issues that particularly affect seniors. Case quickly became known as “Kentucky’s Grandma,” inspiring many and gaining recognition nationwide.
Case and her late husband of 61 years, Omar Case, Jr., were also prominent fixtures in their hometown of Maysville. The Cases owned and operated Case’s Men’s Wear, a men’s clothing store, for more than 30 years and helped revitalize the downtown area.
“As people across Kentucky can attest, Granny’s spirit was infectious. She was not just passionate about what she believed in; she shared that passion along with sharp humor and wit, and a hug for anyone who needed one,” said Grimes.
“Granny touched more lives than she realized, and I am grateful to all of her friends and fans who have extended their sympathies and shared their memories with me. It’s comforting to know that her legacy will live on through the people she influenced across Kentucky, and especially through me.”
Visitation and funeral arrangements:
Visitors will be received at the First Christian Church, Sunday, April 26, from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. and again on Monday, April 27, from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. with the funeral immediately following at 1:00 P.M.
Private burial services will be at the Maysville Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to First Christian Church of Maysville or the Hospice of Hope-Maysville, Kentucky.
