Heaven gained a new and beautiful angel today, when God welcomed our beloved mom and Mema with open arms.  Bee Griggs Minard, 86, was born on September 7, 1934 to the late Martha E. McClenney and the late Richard W. Griggs.

She was predeceased by her brothers Richard L., Aubrey, Harvey, and Jack Griggs, and one beautiful sister,Versenia Panther.  We are sure that now they are all singing and dancing together again.  She is survived by her husband and the love of her life for 47 years, James R. Minard, her sisters, Martha Whitley of Windsor, Joyce Adams, Anita Joyce, and her brother, Roland Griggs, all of Suffolk.  She is also survived by her 5 children:  Sandra D. Williams of Portsmouth, and her longtime partner and "pretend son," Michael K. Bell; Arlene G. Minard of Suffolk, Robin A. Mann (Paul) of Mann's Harbor, NC, John C. Dewell, Jr. (Rusty) and partner Melanie French of Windsor, Tracey D. Everitt (Tommy) of Suffolk, and Ginger D. Parsons, her very special niece.  She is also survived by the grandchildren she adored, Allison Williams Gulati and partner Andrea Barker, Justin Williams and  husband, Hans Ericson, Christopher Dewell and wife Ashley, Jessica Nix and husband, DJ, Courtney Ankofski and husband Keegan, Blake Wilkins, Cole and Morgan Everitt, Kyle Everitt, Samantha and Brandon Bailey, Sabrina and Mark Guenther, Stephanie and Thomas Hawkins, and Paul Mann, Jr., In addition, she leaves behind her very precious great-grandchildren, Matthew, Jonathan, and Grace Gulati, Harper Bea Williams, Charleigh Nix, Autumn and Ethan Everitt, and her dearest little loves, Kailee and Liam Dewell, who helped her laugh and smile almost every day when they visited her to color, play, and snuggle.  Of course, we can't forget Dolly, the faithful beagle, who watched over her when she napped and slept.

Mema was happiest when she was sipping cappuccino with Pepa Jim and when her babies dropped in to visit, to share her fabulous fried chicken, her home cooked greens, her corn pudding, and, in the last year, Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, milkshakes, pizza, and Arlene's banana pudding.  Her laugh was contagious; her hugs, kisses, and snuggles were amazing.  She spent her time loving us and caring for us all.  She was sure we were always better off when we sat at her table and ate food that she ("Honey Bee") and her Jim had prepared together.

The heavens are a happier place today because she is there now watching over us all, reminding us to always do the right thing, and telling us to always forgive others and ourselves.  Rest now, Mom, walk and sleep without pain, and don't forget to share some of your cooking secrets with the other angels.

A private service with entombment will be held at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens with Pastor Thomas-Steele Carr officiating.  Friends may join the family for a time of visitation with limited gathering and social distancing on Sunday, February 7, 2021 from 2-4 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.