Ms. Celeste Joy Hoze

NOTE: The following softball-themed obituary was written by Celeste (with a few minor updates and deserving accolades added by family members). Those who know her are aware of her love for softball. First Inning — The Opening Pitch On November 16, 1950, God placed Celeste Joy Grisham Hoze into the game of life. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Celeste was the fifth child born to Anna Louise Rodgers Grisham Barnett and Charles Robert Grisham. From the beginning, her life would become a beautiful example of faith, determination, leadership, service, and love. Second Inning — Building the Foundation Celeste’s early innings were played in Milwaukee, where she attended Hopkins Street Elementary School, Robert Fulton Junior High School, and North Division High School. Even as a young woman, Celeste demonstrated the character and promise that would define her life. In the summer of 1968, Greater Galilee Baptist Church selected Celeste as a delegate to the International Youth Conference in Berne, Switzerland. Following the conference, she expanded her view of the world through travels to Paris, France; London, England; and the Holy Land. Third Inning — Building Her Team Celeste married Jackie L. Hoze, and she was blessed with her two greatest victories — her two children, Corey Robert Hoze and Jacalyn Jori Hoze Finau.While raising her children, Celeste continued her journey of learning and achievement by earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Marquette University and later earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh. As a mother, Celeste coached by example. She taught the importance of education, hard work, kindness, faith, and perseverance. She celebrated every success, encouraged every dream, and always made sure her family knew they had their biggest supporter cheering from the stands. Fourth Inning — Faithful Service and Leadership In 1980, Celeste was baptized into Christ and became a member of the Hampton Avenue Church of Christ in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, remaining a faithful member throughout her life. She served faithfully as the church’s bookkeeper for many years. Her service reflected her commitment to stewardship, excellence, and using her gifts to benefit others. Professionally, Celeste dedicated 27 years of service to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before retiring in 2008. As a Business Team Supervisor, she managed safety, human resources, payroll, finance, fleet operations, building management, and information technology. She also administered the agency’s Minority Internship Program, where she mentored and encouraged numerous high school and college students, helping prepare the next generation to step confidently up to the plate. Fifth Inning - A Championship Legacy Celeste was highly respected throughout Milwaukee and across Wisconsin. Her leadership, dedication, and commitment to improving the lives of others earned her many honors and recognitions. She was the recipient of the Virginia Hart Special Recognition Award, which recognizes the “unsung heroes” in Wisconsin state government. She served as President of the Wisconsin Association of Black State Employees, was appointed as a member of the Governor’s Glass Ceiling Commission and contributed her talents as a member of the Wisconsin Women’s Council. Celeste was also honored by the United States Postal Service as one of the “Women Putting Their Stamp on Metro Milwaukee” and received the Milwaukee Times Black Excellence Award. Her love of softball extended beyond playing and watching from the stands. As a Milwaukee County Parks System softball umpire, Celeste stepped onto the field with confidence, fairness, and authority. Her dedication earned her the honor of being named Umpire of the Year in 1998. Sixth Inning — Love, Laughter, and the Joy of the Game Away from work and service, Celeste lived life fully. A devoted volunteer, she often returned to cheer at North-Lincoln Alumni basketball games, continuing to support the community that helped shape her. Celeste enjoyed bowling, golf, playing cards, crocheting, and traveling with friends. She was an enthusiastic supporter of the Milwaukee Brewers and a passionate admirer of Negro League Baseball. But above all else, her greatest joy came from her family. Nothing brought a bigger smile to Celeste’s face than spending time with her grandchildren. She cherished every moment with them and proudly embraced her special role of spoiling them with endless love. Seventh Inning - Safe at Home Softball games conclude after seven innings and so concludes the remarkable life of Celeste Joy Grisham Hoze. If life were baseball, perhaps she would have had two extra innings to play. Yet during the innings she was given, Celeste played with purpose, led with compassion, served with faith, and loved without limits. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Corey Hoze and Jacalyn (Jose) Finau; her eight beloved grandchildren: Courtney (Xavier) Carter, Tyler Steele, Chloe Hoze, Tatyana Cordova, Alexandria Cordova, Charis Hoze, Angel Cordova, and Caleb Hoze; and two great-grandsons, Tristan Steele and Solar Carter. She also leaves her siblings, Charles (Toni) Grisham, Anita Johnson, Barbara Rodgers, and James (Nora) Grish am; her godchildren, Brandon Watkins and Denise Joy Harley-Thomson; her cherished friends of the BWWA group; her beloved friends Candace Richards, Patricia Chung, Sheila Knox, and Paulette Kelly; her Wattleton family; her Jones family, including JeraiLyn Jones, Paula Lee, Ronald Kendrick, Claudia Kendrick, and Claudetta Brookens; and a host of nieces, nephews, and more friends that she held close to her heart. Celeste has departed this earthly life to claim both her inheritance – the gift of salvation – and her reward for a life of faithful service. The final inning has been played, the cheers remain, and the legacy continues.

Ms. Celeste Joy Hoze

November 16, 1950 - July 6, 2026