Ann Paulette Harris Gramby, affectionately known as Paulette, is honored by the Barnes Blow Family for Women’s History Month. A woman of faith, family, and service, Paulette has lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and quiet strength.
Paulette is married to her beloved husband, Michael Gramby, and together they have shared forty-two wonderful years of marriage. Their union reflects deep friendship, enduring love, and unwavering partnership. They are the proud parents of three children: Michael, Marcus, and Michelle, and the joyful grandparents of sixteen grandchildren.
Born to Paul Harris Jr. and Doris Odell Blow Harris, Paulette comes from a strong and loving lineage. Her grandparents, Richard and Sarah “Missy” Wynn Blow, Paul Harris Sr., and Luevenia “Lou” Harris, helped shape the values of faith, resilience, and family unity that she carries today. She is one of several siblings: Nelson, Lee, Edward Andrew, Linda Ann, and Paul Jerome Harris, and she continues to cherish the deep bonds shared among her family.
Paulette graduated from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, in June 1983. where she excelled both academically and artistically. She was an accomplished vocalist, participating in her school chorus and church choir, and earned recognition at All-City Choir competitions in the late 1970’s. In addition to her musical gifts, she was also a talented athlete, and as a team, they earned medals in track and field.
Her heart for service began early. As a dedicated Girl Scout, Paulette advanced from Brownie to Cadette, embracing leadership and community service. She fondly recalls singing for residents in nursing homes, an early reflection of her lifelong desire to bring joy and comfort to others.
After high school, Paulette continued her education at Tidewater Community College and began her professional journey. Paulette worked at the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) in Virginia Beach from 1983 to 1992, serving in roles that included counseling, telemarketing, and data entry.
Paulette later devoted over three decades of service with the Department of Corrections at Indian Creek Correctional Center and Chesapeake/Portsmouth Probation and Parole, retiring on January 1, 2026, after 30 years of faithful and impactful work. Her career reflected her integrity, compassion, and commitment to helping others find direction and hope.
In addition to her public service, Paulette is a licensed cosmetologist and entrepreneur. Since 1994, she has operated her business, “Anointed Hands,” using her God-given talents to uplift others. She believes deeply that each person is blessed with unique gifts and that those gifts should be used to serve others.
A woman of strong and abiding faith, Paulette is a member of Cathedral of Faith Church of God in Christ in Chesapeake, Virginia. She worked in the church Christian School’s Computer Lab, while her children attended school there for a year or more. Her voice has been a part of the Cathedral of Faith Mass Choir, which recorded albums including “We’ve Come to Give Thanks” and “I’ll Praise You.” Through music and ministry, she continues to inspire and uplift.
Paulette has also served her community as an election officer beginning in 2004 and later as Chief Election Officer for ten years. Her leadership reflected her belief in civic responsibility and fairness. With love and devotion, she stepped away from this role because her Aunt Sarah started to become ill during their time working at the Election Polls. She believes that family comes first.
Her spirit of caregiving has been evident throughout her life. As a young girl, she helped care for her grandfather during his illness, showing compassion well beyond her years. She finds joy in helping others feel valued, loved, and seen.
Paulette enjoys bowling, a passion she developed from time spent with her father and brothers, and continues to find joy in life’s simple pleasures. She is known as a warm, kind, and wise woman—a mother, grandmother, friend, and servant leader whose life reflects grace, humility, and love.
Her life stands as a beautiful testimony: that faith, family, and service create a legacy that lives on for generations.
A Life Poured Out in Love
She walks with grace, both strong and kind,
With faith that anchors heart and mind.
Through every season, calm or storm,
Her love remains both true and warm.
A voice that sang in youthful days,
Still lifts the spirit now in praise.
From choir halls to quiet care,
Her presence brings God’s love to bear.
A mother’s heart, so rich, so wide,
With children, grandchildren by her side.
Each life she touched, each hand she held,
A deeper story gently tells.
Through years of service, steady, true,
She gave her best in all she’d do.
With wisdom, patience, and a smile,
She walked each faithful, humble mile.
Her hands, anointed, skilled, and sure,
Brought beauty that would long endure.
A gift from God, she chose to share,
A living answer to a prayer.
When family called, she did not delay,
She gave her time, she gave her way.
For love, she knew, is sacrifice—
The quiet gift, the highest price.
So we honor her, this shining light,
A life well lived, a path so bright.
For in her steps, we clearly see—
A legacy of faith, and dignity.
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Paulette your contributions to your immediate family, larger family, church family and the community is acknowledged and appreciated. Congratulations on this honor.