South Carolina resident Willie Dell Grimes started her journey to receiving her high school diploma in 1991.

After her husband passed away in 1991, she was encouraged to take night classes where she excelled at math and social studies. That was 1993 when she took her first night class.

Grimes was in a class of people young enough to be her children and grandchildren but that was not an issue for her.

“My reaction was, ‘I’m going to help her’,” says Susie Grimes, Willie Dell’s daughter. “We all backed her up, 100 percent. We said, “You always pushed us to go. Now it’s our turn to help you. We all got together and encouraged her to do it … including the grandkids.”

Economic and geographic barriers prevented Grimes from getting her diploma initially in the 1940s. She attended a rural South Carolina school that only went up to the seventh grade.

And the nearest school to continue her education was nine miles away. Grimes had no way of making the trip according to The State.

She ultimately finished the coursework from the night school and received her high school certificate in 1999. But she wanted a real diploma.

In 2014, a new South Carolina law eliminated the high school exit exam that – if completed – would give students the opportunity to get a diploma. With a Richland Northeast High cap and gown on, Grimes received her diploma in August.

“I was very proud,” says Willie Dell, who celebrates her 84th birthday this month. “That was the main goal; I wanted to get my diploma.”

Willie Dell Grimes

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