Theodora Gigis Grisette

Mrs. Theodora Gigis Grisette, 86, passed away peacefully Monday, October 9, 2023, at her home.  She was born on October 5, 1937, in Fernandina Beach, Florida, the daughter of Paul and Harriet Gigis.  Later, her family moved to Charleston, South Carolina.  Being the youngest of six children, she was affectionately nicknamed Baby by her Charleston family and friends.  Excelling in sports, especially basketball, she was voted Most Athletic at Rivers High School.  She began secretarial work at the Navy Shipyard in Charleston, SC when a Lieutenant decided Teddie would be a more appropriate name than Baby.  There she met a handsome Naval Officer, Ulysses Grisette, Jr.  They were married in 1961 and moved to Winston-Salem to start their lives and raise a family.  Theirs was a beautiful love story and a marriage of great devotion.  Teddie was a homemaker and a member of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, where she was active in the Philoptochos Society and many other areas of the Church.  She was never shy to engage with all ages and was coined by family high school friends from Bermuda Run as “Tell it like it is Teddie”.   She was dedicated to her family, especially her children and grandchildren.  Her love of cooking, dancing and meeting people helped her become friends with everyone she met.  Her energy was bright as was her beauty.  She was often the first on the dance floor at celebrations and parties.  Teddie was hard working, organized and charming.   She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Lula Latto, Mary Moskos and Katherine Theos, and a brother, George Gigis.  Surviving include her loving husband of 62 years, Ulysses Grisette, Jr.; her children, Katherine Pieper (Dirk) of Greenville, SC, Paula Christakos (Chris) of Winston-Salem and Uly Grisette, III (Tonya) of Advance; eight grandchildren, Dirk Pieper, Jr., Anna Thompson (Alex), Meg Pieper, Paula Pieper, Arthur Christakos, Teddy Christakos, Uly Grisette, IV, and Athena Grisette; a sister, Barbara Latto and many nieces, nephews and friends.  The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the team of Lidia, Grace, Ingrid, Luis, Amanda, Charlotte, Mina and Imani for their steadfast love and support over the last year. The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Christakos home and 10 AM – 11 AM Friday, October 13, 2023 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.  A Trisagion and Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM at the Church with the Rev. Fr. George Kouzelis officiating.  Burial will follow in Forsyth Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27104.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com