Dorothy Jeaan Grier (née Whitcomb) was born October 4, 1922 in Hayden, Indiana. Dorothy married Herbert E. Grier on September 5, 1954. Herbert had two children from a previous relationship, Joan Arnold and Herbert Grier III. Together they had their son David L. Grier.

Grier has a bachelor of arts degree in English and philosophy.

During World War II, Grier was a secretary for the Air Inspector at the United States Air Force.