Mrs. Jestine (Bodison) Grayson

Jestine Bodison Grayson, affectionally known as “Ms. Jestine” by many of the Colleton community, was born and raised in Walterboro, SC to the late Jesse R. Bodison and Lucille Ned Bodison on May 21, 1948. She was the last of their five children. She departed this life peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

She received her formal education in Colleton County and graduated from Colleton High School in 1966.  Upon graduating high school, she followed in the footsteps of her grandfather and mother by attending South Carolina State University. While there, she majored in Education and minored in Psychology. She participated in many organizations including becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.

At the age of twelve, her passion for cosmetology began. She was known to style the hair of family and neighborhood friends right in her kitchen. After graduating from South Carolina State University in 1970, Mrs. Grayson decided to pursue her passion for cosmetology by attending Denmark Technical College.

After completing her studies in 1972, she decided to pursue her teaching career where she went on to teach for two years at Jonesville Elementary. While teaching, she also worked at Evella’s Beauty Salon. In August 1972, two weeks before her marriage to the late Vaughn M. Grayson, she opened her own salon, New Day Beauty. She went on to further her education by attending the University of South Carolina, becoming a licensed Cosmetology Instructor. She was also a member of the South Carolina and National Association of Cosmetology. After almost forty-eight years of being in business, Jestine made the decision to retire in March 2020.

Jestine enjoyed spending time with her family, cheering on her Grandsons at their football and baseball games, making endless comments on Facebook, viewing B-Love food videos, and eating seafood boils.

. At an early age she attended Saint Peters AME Church and Rock of Ages CME church. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Vaughn Monroe Grayson on August 26, 1972. After marriage, she became member of Wesley United Methodist Church, now known as New Life United Methodist Church, where she served on several committees which included; the Usher Board, Finance Committee, PPRC, and as a Trustee.

Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by grandson Devon Shattler, one sister Dixie M. Bodison-Lewis, one brother Jim Bodison, nephews; Eric Bodison, Alex Duncan and sister in laws Sandra Bodison, Bernice Bodison, Ada Grayson, Diane Joseph mother and father in law Monroe and Rachel Grayson.

Left to cherish the beautiful memories of her life; children, Brandon V.M. Grayson (Courtney) of Walterboro, SC, Michelle Bodison-Shattler (Scott) of Baltimore, MD and Jessica L. Grayson of Walterboro, SC. Grandchildren; Da’Quan L. Berry, Cameron J. Grayson, Caden K. Grayson and Christian A. Grayson all of Walterboro, SC. Nieces whom she loved as daughters, Phyllis Sanders of Walterboro, SC and Adrianne Bodison-Kinard (Tyrone) of Ruffin, SC. Siblings; Carolyn Duncan (Al) of Phildephia, PA and Preston Bodison of Bel Air, MD. Brother ln Laws; Ronald Grayson of Walterboro, Eric Overton of Charlotte, NC, one uncle, Rev. John L. Bodison of Miami, FL, special niece, Tameka Duncan of Philadelphia, PA along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

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