Julianne Beverly White Grissett, affectionately called “TOEY” by many,

was born in Harlem, New York on May 15 th , 1939 to parents Josh and Carol White. She

was the second oldest of their five children. She attended school in New York City

ultimately ending at the Professional Children’s School during her High School years.

Her love for music and talent for singing was cultivated very early in life and shaped by

her famous father’s keen ear. He developed this talent in all his children but there was

something special about this daughter he affectionately called “Miss Thang”.

Beverly began to perform with her father, Josh White, and brother/best friend Josh

“Donnie” White Jr., throughout the United States and Europe beginning at the age of 8

years old. Her undeniable talent for singing would enthrall audiences with her smooth,

melodic voice providing the perfect complement to the authentic and legendary guitar

mastery of her father and brother. Her performances and subsequent recordings were

met with extraordinary critical acclaim for over 20 years.

She went on to marry Tyrone Saunders and have her first two children, the late

Kimberly “Kimmy” Helene Saunders and Tyrone “Sandy” Saunders, Jr. Once their brief

union ended, she then began to embrace her true destiny with her longtime childhood

friend and extraordinary forever love Augustus “Gus” Grissett. They welcomed a son

early in their union, Augustus “Guy Guy “Grissett, Jr. Their marriage/love story would

last for over 55 years until her last day here on earth.

Her sister Judy was integral in leading her to give her life to God in 1977. She began to

worship and deepen her faith in the Christ by becoming a member of Rescue Mission

Church of God in Christ in the Bronx, NY under Pastor Harold Ross and First Lady Mary

Ross. She continued this journey at Rescue Mission for over many years along with the

ongoing support of her family and with her “Dearest” sister and lifelong friend Deloras

Wade.

As an extension of her new faith in the Lord, she and her sisters, Carolyn “FER.N.”

White Pridgen, Judith “Judy” White Goard, and brother in-law Albert Pridgen formed the

dynamic gospel quartet known as the Josh White Singers. They became known as one

of the most prominent groups in New York City. Accompanied by their nephew Steven

Goard on bass guitar and her son “Guy Guy” on percussion, their tantalizing harmonies

and moving performances blessed countless people and congregations for many years.

She later would join Light of the City Ministries in Hempstead, NY and lead the choir

that included her husband, Gus. Her belief in her Lord and Savior would only grow

stronger and stronger throughout her years as she was well known to bless countless

with her prayers, guidance, and words of encouragement.

Her love and diligent care for children touched the lives of so many that parents

confidently trusted them in her care. Children that would stay in her life into their adult

years with memories of love and admiration of how she positively influenced their lives.

Beverly dealt with many health challenges over the past decade, culminating in a very

difficult final year. Despite her pain and obstacles, her faith in the Lord never wavered

but proved to make her spiritually stronger. God saw fit to end her suffering on the day

the world recognizes love all over the world…..for a women that gave love to all that

crossed her path all over this world. Her last words were a prayer for her loving family,

friends, hospital staffers, and especially thanking her forever love, her husband Gus, for

his tremendous, long standing love and dedication. She was then gifted her heavenly

reward by her Lord and Savior as one of his most faithful servants.

We are all forever grateful to have had the privilege to have known and loved such a

beautiful soul. She was a consummate performer, sister, friend, mother, wife, care

giver, grandmother, great grand grandmother, and fierce prayer warrior…..most of all a

blessing to everyone.

Her legacy will forever live on in the following:

Augustus Grissett, Sr – Husband

Augustus Grissett Jr, and Tyrone Saunders – sons

Dr. Clifettia Simone Grissett – daughter in law

Judith Goard – sister

Justin Grissett, Jahi Grissett, and Jahlil Grissett – grandsons

Melanie, Me’Lonie, Adonis, and Jru’Gianni – great grand children

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, beloved friends, fans and complete strangers will

tell stories of this great woman.