VALDOSTA – Joanne Griner was described Thursday evening as a person who was willing, who had heart, who had vision.

Now, she will watch over one of the organizations she was instrumental in founding.

Theatre Guild Valdosta unveiled a painted portrait of Griner at The Dosta Playhouse. Artist Fay Bridges Hyatt painted the portrait that bears a striking resemblance to Griner. Jerry and Kay Jennett sponsored the painting.

Guild President Patti Cook Robertson opened the ceremony by reading poet Maya Angelou’s “When Great Trees Fall,” with its powerful closing lines: “And when great souls die after a period peace blooms slowly and always irregularly. Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration. Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us. They existed. They existed. We can be. Be and be better. For they existed.”

Robertson read numerous words to describe Griner, who helped found Theatre Guild and spearheaded the creation of the Azalea Festival. Griner was described as “downtown’s grandmother.”

Robertson emphasized Griner’s willingness to try new things, heart to love Theatre Guild and all of Valdosta, and her vision to see what could be.

Griner performed in the first Guild season show of “The Mousetrap” in the 1980s to “Steel Magnolias” last season. She passed away last September.

Robertson and Grant Brown, who followed Griner as director of the Azalea Festival, unveiled the portrait in front of a large crowd at The Dosta Playhouse. The audience included Griner’s daughter, Catherine Griner of Arizona.

The unveiling occurred prior to the season opener of “Deathtrap.” The portrait will hang in the lobby of The Dosta Playhouse.