Mary Woodworth Grimes 1909 - 1998

      Mary Woodworth Grimes was an educator in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch school district for twenty-five years, and is considered the matriarch of special education in the school district. She entered CFB as an elementary school teacher in 1954. 

     Mrs. Grimes believed that all students are capable of learning. She was passionate about providing opportunities for children who were considered unteachable, and was determined that children with different types of problems get the help they needed. She led a program for children with learning disabilities and then piloted another class that evolved into Special Education resource classes. She was instrumental in implementing one of five Special Education programs approved by the state of Texas.

     Mary Grimes felt each child had a unique and individual learning style, and she sought creative ways to help students achieve by building on their strengths. She went back to school and became an educational diagnostician in 1970. She gave support to the staff at the Valley View Learning Center at its founding in 1976 and maintained that position until her retirement in 1980.

     In 1990, the district renamed the relocated Valley View Learning Center after Mary Grimes to recognize her invaluable commitment to education. At the building dedication ceremony, this statement was made: "It is only fitting that an innovative educational program be housed in a facility named after Mary W. Grimes. Mary Grimes embodies the characteristics of a quality educator. Her love of children, her innovative approach to learning and her willingness to try new programs gave CFB students and staff the opportunity to learn from a master teacher."

"Miss Mary" continued to be a welcome guest at many school activities and was always surrounded by students. But on Saturday, December 26, 1998, Mary Grimes died at her home in Carrollton, at the age of 89 years old. Her caring and encouragement brought special joy to us, and we miss her.