~Obituary~
Deacon Robert Grant, Sr., 66, was born in Zolfo Springs, Florida 27 September 1907. He was the second of twenty children born to the holy marriage of Deacon Ezekiel Grant, Sr. (d. 1979) and Mother Ardonia Jones Grant (d. 1959).
He received his education in Monticello, Florida. At an early age he moved to Mims, Florida, with his family in November 1921.
He met the former Cora Deverow (d. 1944) and they married 17 November 1928. He welcomed Cora's daughter, Ceceila Johnson and their happy union was blessed with seven (7) additional children: Rosebud, Robert, Jr., Samuel "Sammie," Sylvester "Cleve," Gracie, and Yvonne. Two children, a daughter named Rosebud (d. 1959) and an unnamed infant, preceded him in death.
He was a Mason at #429 Vermont Lodge in Mims.
In 1932, Deacon Robert Grant, Sr. confessed Christ and was baptized under the pastorate of the late Reverend Burney. He regularly attended Tuesday night prayer meeting. He was ordained deacon under the late Reverend James Massey. He served as deacon of Greater Saint James Missionary Baptist Church until his health began to fail.
On January 1, 1948, he married the former Laurine Delancy Bell Highsmith (d. 2006) in holy matrimony. He also welcomed Laurine's two sons, John Edward Bell and Freddie Lee Highsmith (d. 1985). All the children of this blended family were called together, and it was explained that 'step' was not to be used in their family; they would be known as brothers and sisters. Laurine played a crucial role in nurturing an ongoing relationship with Cora's siblings, ensuring they remained a significant part of the children's lives. Robert, Sr. and Laurine's happy union was blessed, and eight additional children were born. Two children died in infancy before him.
The late Deacon Robert Grant, Sr. passed away 21 July 1974 at Orange Memorial Hospital, Orlando.
He left to mourn his passing, a devoted wife, Laurine, who stood with him throughout health and sickness. She never tired in going and praying, standing by his side. A loving, praying father, Deacon Ezekiel Grant, Sr. (d. 1979) of Mims, Florida. There are five children living from his first marriage: three (3) sons and two (2) daughters. They are Robert Grant, Jr. (d. 2013) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Samuel Grant (d. 2011) of Mims, Florida; Cleve Grant (d. 2010) of Oak Hill, Florida; Gracie Grant Keitt and Yvonne Barbara Grant Fleming of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Cecelia Johnson Cooper (d. 2020) of Los Angeles, California.
There are six (6) children living that were born to Robert, Sr. and Laurine Grant. Four (4) sons; James "Jimmy" Frederick, Ronald "Ronnie Key" Keith, Michael "Mike" Ezekiel (d. 2020), and Leonard Dwayne all of Mims, Florida. Two (2) daughters, Brenda and Rosalyn of Mims, Florida.
Eleven sisters and brothers; James Grant (d. 1975) and Sarah Grant McKenzie of Syracuse, New York; Emma Grant Bush (d. 1988) of Hartford, Connecticut; Fay Belle Grant Warren (d. 2010), Willie Grant Allen (d. 1999), Ezekiel Grant, Jr. (d. 1996) , Rose Lee Grant Payne (d. 2002), and Johnnie Grant (d. 2017) all of Mims, Florida; Jacob Grant (d. 2019) of San Francisco, California; Levi Grant (d. 1976) of Miami, Florida; Marian Grant Bowen (d. 2000) of Tampa, Florida. Additionally, there are two (2) sons-in-law, five (5) daughters-in-law, fifteen grandchildren, seven (7) brothers-in-laws, nine (9) sisters-in-laws, mother and father-in-law, one uncle, a large number of nieces and nephews, as well as many sorrowing relatives and friends who will mourn his passing.
One step I see before me,
It's all I need to see.
The light of heaven more brightly shines.
When earthly illusions fade away,
The lights of shine more brightly.
Through the silence, I hear His voice,
Whispering, "Follow Me with joy."
With every step, I feel His love,
Guiding me to heaven above.
His loving, "Follow Me."
Why the G.O.A.T. designation? Deacon Grant had a great capacity to love; evidenced by the three children he welcomed into his heart that were not his biological children. He encouraged all of his children to love and share as brothers and sisters. The designation STEP was not a word he welcomed.
Upon marrying Cora Deverow and welcoming her infant daughter, his first duty was to his newly formed family. He set to put his family in a home they'd own; opting not to rent. He was one of the first among his siblings to own a home.
He was looked up to by his sibling as a role model to follow. He has established the model to be followed when it comes to blended families.
Deacon Robert Grant, Sr., 66, was born in Zolfo Springs, Florida 27 September 1907. He was the second of twenty children born to the holy marriage of Deacon Ezekiel Grant, Sr. (d. 1979) and Mother Ardonia Jones Grant (d. 1959).
He received his education in Monticello, Florida. At an early age he moved to Mims, Florida, with his family in November 1921.
He met the former Cora Deverow (d. 1944) and they married 17 November 1928. He welcomed Cora's daughter, Ceceila Johnson and their happy union was blessed with seven (7) additional children: Rosebud, Robert, Jr., Samuel "Sammie," Sylvester "Cleve," Gracie, and Yvonne. Two children, a daughter named Rosebud (d. 1959) and an unnamed infant, preceded him in death.
He was a Mason at #429 Vermont Lodge in Mims.
In 1932, Deacon Robert Grant, Sr. confessed Christ and was baptized under the pastorate of the late Reverend Burney. He regularly attended Tuesday night prayer meeting. He was ordained deacon under the late Reverend James Massey. He served as deacon of Greater Saint James Missionary Baptist Church until his health began to fail.
On January 1, 1948, he married the former Laurine Delancy Bell Highsmith (d. 2006) in holy matrimony. He also welcomed Laurine's two sons, John Edward Bell and Freddie Lee Highsmith (d. 1985). All the children of this blended family were called together, and it was explained that 'step' was not to be used in their family; they would be known as brothers and sisters. Laurine played a crucial role in nurturing an ongoing relationship with Cora's siblings, ensuring they remained a significant part of the children's lives. Robert, Sr. and Laurine's happy union was blessed, and eight additional children were born. Two children died in infancy before him.
The late Deacon Robert Grant, Sr. passed away 21 July 1974 at Orange Memorial Hospital, Orlando.
He left to mourn his passing, a devoted wife, Laurine, who stood with him throughout health and sickness. She never tired in going and praying, standing by his side. A loving, praying father, Deacon Ezekiel Grant, Sr. (d. 1979) of Mims, Florida. There are five children living from his first marriage: three (3) sons and two (2) daughters. They are Robert Grant, Jr. (d. 2013) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Samuel Grant (d. 2011) of Mims, Florida; Cleve Grant (d. 2010) of Oak Hill, Florida; Gracie Grant Keitt and Yvonne Barbara Grant Fleming of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Cecelia Johnson Cooper (d. 2020) of Los Angeles, California.
There are six (6) children living that were born to Robert, Sr. and Laurine Grant. Four (4) sons; James "Jimmy" Frederick, Ronald "Ronnie Key" Keith, Michael "Mike" Ezekiel (d. 2020), and Leonard Dwayne all of Mims, Florida. Two (2) daughters, Brenda and Rosalyn of Mims, Florida.
Eleven sisters and brothers; James Grant (d. 1975) and Sarah Grant McKenzie of Syracuse, New York; Emma Grant Bush (d. 1988) of Hartford, Connecticut; Fay Belle Grant Warren (d. 2010), Willie Grant Allen (d. 1999), Ezekiel Grant, Jr. (d. 1996) , Rose Lee Grant Payne (d. 2002), and Johnnie Grant (d. 2017) all of Mims, Florida; Jacob Grant (d. 2019) of San Francisco, California; Levi Grant (d. 1976) of Miami, Florida; Marian Grant Bowen (d. 2000) of Tampa, Florida. Additionally, there are two (2) sons-in-law, five (5) daughters-in-law, fifteen grandchildren, seven (7) brothers-in-laws, nine (9) sisters-in-laws, mother and father-in-law, one uncle, a large number of nieces and nephews, as well as many sorrowing relatives and friends who will mourn his passing.
One step I see before me,
It's all I need to see.
The light of heaven more brightly shines.
When earthly illusions fade away,
The lights of shine more brightly.
Through the silence, I hear His voice,
Whispering, "Follow Me with joy."
With every step, I feel His love,
Guiding me to heaven above.
His loving, "Follow Me."
Why the G.O.A.T. designation? Deacon Grant had a great capacity to love; evidenced by the three children he welcomed into his heart that were not his biological children. He encouraged all of his children to love and share as brothers and sisters. The designation STEP was not a word he welcomed.
Upon marrying Cora Deverow and welcoming her infant daughter, his first duty was to his newly formed family. He set to put his family in a home they'd own; opting not to rent. He was one of the first among his siblings to own a home.
He was looked up to by his sibling as a role model to follow. He has established the model to be followed when it comes to blended families.
~Obituary~
Deacon Robert Grant, Sr., 66, was born in Zolfo Springs, Florida 27 September 1907. He was the second of twenty children born to the holy marriage of Deacon Ezekiel Grant, Sr. (d. 1979) and Mother Ardonia Jones Grant (d. 1959).
He received his education in Monticello, Florida. At an early age he moved to Mims, Florida, with his family in November 1921.
He met the former Cora Deverow (d. 1944) and they married 17 November 1928. He welcomed Cora's daughter, Ceceila Johnson and their happy union was blessed with seven (7) additional children: Rosebud, Robert, Jr., Samuel "Sammie," Sylvester "Cleve," Gracie, and Yvonne. Two children, a daughter named Rosebud (d. 1959) and an unnamed infant, preceded him in death.
He was a Mason at #429 Vermont Lodge in Mims.
In 1932, Deacon Robert Grant, Sr. confessed Christ and was baptized under the pastorate of the late Reverend Burney. He regularly attended Tuesday night prayer meeting. He was ordained deacon under the late Reverend James Massey. He served as deacon of Greater Saint James Missionary Baptist Church until his health began to fail.
On January 1, 1948, he married the former Laurine Delancy Bell Highsmith (d. 2006) in holy matrimony. He also welcomed Laurine's two sons, John Edward Bell and Freddie Lee Highsmith (d. 1985). All the children of this blended family were called together, and it was explained that 'step' was not to be used in their family; they would be known as brothers and sisters. Laurine played a crucial role in nurturing an ongoing relationship with Cora's siblings, ensuring they remained a significant part of the children's lives. Robert, Sr. and Laurine's happy union was blessed, and eight additional children were born. Two children died in infancy before him.
The late Deacon Robert Grant, Sr. passed away 21 July 1974 at Orange Memorial Hospital, Orlando.
He left to mourn his passing, a devoted wife, Laurine, who stood with him throughout health and sickness. She never tired in going and praying, standing by his side. A loving, praying father, Deacon Ezekiel Grant, Sr. (d. 1979) of Mims, Florida. There are five children living from his first marriage: three (3) sons and two (2) daughters. They are Robert Grant, Jr. (d. 2013) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Samuel Grant (d. 2011) of Mims, Florida; Cleve Grant (d. 2010) of Oak Hill, Florida; Gracie Grant Keitt and Yvonne Barbara Grant Fleming of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Cecelia Johnson Cooper (d. 2020) of Los Angeles, California.
There are six (6) children living that were born to Robert, Sr. and Laurine Grant. Four (4) sons; James "Jimmy" Frederick, Ronald "Ronnie Key" Keith, Michael "Mike" Ezekiel (d. 2020), and Leonard Dwayne all of Mims, Florida. Two (2) daughters, Brenda and Rosalyn of Mims, Florida.
Eleven sisters and brothers; James Grant (d. 1975) and Sarah Grant McKenzie of Syracuse, New York; Emma Grant Bush (d. 1988) of Hartford, Connecticut; Fay Belle Grant Warren (d. 2010), Willie Grant Allen (d. 1999), Ezekiel Grant, Jr. (d. 1996) , Rose Lee Grant Payne (d. 2002), and Johnnie Grant (d. 2017) all of Mims, Florida; Jacob Grant (d. 2019) of San Francisco, California; Levi Grant (d. 1976) of Miami, Florida; Marian Grant Bowen (d. 2000) of Tampa, Florida. Additionally, there are two (2) sons-in-law, five (5) daughters-in-law, fifteen grandchildren, seven (7) brothers-in-laws, nine (9) sisters-in-laws, mother and father-in-law, one uncle, a large number of nieces and nephews, as well as many sorrowing relatives and friends who will mourn his passing.
One step I see before me,
It's all I need to see.
The light of heaven more brightly shines.
When earthly illusions fade away,
The lights of shine more brightly.
Through the silence, I hear His voice,
Whispering, "Follow Me with joy."
With every step, I feel His love,
Guiding me to heaven above.
His loving, "Follow Me."
Why the G.O.A.T. designation? Deacon Grant had a great capacity to love; evidenced by the three children he welcomed into his heart that were not his biological children. He encouraged all of his children to love and share as brothers and sisters. The designation STEP was not a word he welcomed.
Upon marrying Cora Deverow and welcoming her infant daughter, his first duty was to his newly formed family. He set to put his family in a home they'd own; opting not to rent. He was one of the first among his siblings to own a home.
He was looked up to by his sibling as a role model to follow. He has established the model to be followed when it comes to blended families.
Deacon Robert Grant, Sr., 66, was born in Zolfo Springs, Florida 27 September 1907. He was the second of twenty children born to the holy marriage of Deacon Ezekiel Grant, Sr. (d. 1979) and Mother Ardonia Jones Grant (d. 1959).
He received his education in Monticello, Florida. At an early age he moved to Mims, Florida, with his family in November 1921.
He met the former Cora Deverow (d. 1944) and they married 17 November 1928. He welcomed Cora's daughter, Ceceila Johnson and their happy union was blessed with seven (7) additional children: Rosebud, Robert, Jr., Samuel "Sammie," Sylvester "Cleve," Gracie, and Yvonne. Two children, a daughter named Rosebud (d. 1959) and an unnamed infant, preceded him in death.
He was a Mason at #429 Vermont Lodge in Mims.
In 1932, Deacon Robert Grant, Sr. confessed Christ and was baptized under the pastorate of the late Reverend Burney. He regularly attended Tuesday night prayer meeting. He was ordained deacon under the late Reverend James Massey. He served as deacon of Greater Saint James Missionary Baptist Church until his health began to fail.
On January 1, 1948, he married the former Laurine Delancy Bell Highsmith (d. 2006) in holy matrimony. He also welcomed Laurine's two sons, John Edward Bell and Freddie Lee Highsmith (d. 1985). All the children of this blended family were called together, and it was explained that 'step' was not to be used in their family; they would be known as brothers and sisters. Laurine played a crucial role in nurturing an ongoing relationship with Cora's siblings, ensuring they remained a significant part of the children's lives. Robert, Sr. and Laurine's happy union was blessed, and eight additional children were born. Two children died in infancy before him.
The late Deacon Robert Grant, Sr. passed away 21 July 1974 at Orange Memorial Hospital, Orlando.
He left to mourn his passing, a devoted wife, Laurine, who stood with him throughout health and sickness. She never tired in going and praying, standing by his side. A loving, praying father, Deacon Ezekiel Grant, Sr. (d. 1979) of Mims, Florida. There are five children living from his first marriage: three (3) sons and two (2) daughters. They are Robert Grant, Jr. (d. 2013) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Samuel Grant (d. 2011) of Mims, Florida; Cleve Grant (d. 2010) of Oak Hill, Florida; Gracie Grant Keitt and Yvonne Barbara Grant Fleming of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Cecelia Johnson Cooper (d. 2020) of Los Angeles, California.
There are six (6) children living that were born to Robert, Sr. and Laurine Grant. Four (4) sons; James "Jimmy" Frederick, Ronald "Ronnie Key" Keith, Michael "Mike" Ezekiel (d. 2020), and Leonard Dwayne all of Mims, Florida. Two (2) daughters, Brenda and Rosalyn of Mims, Florida.
Eleven sisters and brothers; James Grant (d. 1975) and Sarah Grant McKenzie of Syracuse, New York; Emma Grant Bush (d. 1988) of Hartford, Connecticut; Fay Belle Grant Warren (d. 2010), Willie Grant Allen (d. 1999), Ezekiel Grant, Jr. (d. 1996) , Rose Lee Grant Payne (d. 2002), and Johnnie Grant (d. 2017) all of Mims, Florida; Jacob Grant (d. 2019) of San Francisco, California; Levi Grant (d. 1976) of Miami, Florida; Marian Grant Bowen (d. 2000) of Tampa, Florida. Additionally, there are two (2) sons-in-law, five (5) daughters-in-law, fifteen grandchildren, seven (7) brothers-in-laws, nine (9) sisters-in-laws, mother and father-in-law, one uncle, a large number of nieces and nephews, as well as many sorrowing relatives and friends who will mourn his passing.
One step I see before me,
It's all I need to see.
The light of heaven more brightly shines.
When earthly illusions fade away,
The lights of shine more brightly.
Through the silence, I hear His voice,
Whispering, "Follow Me with joy."
With every step, I feel His love,
Guiding me to heaven above.
His loving, "Follow Me."
Why the G.O.A.T. designation? Deacon Grant had a great capacity to love; evidenced by the three children he welcomed into his heart that were not his biological children. He encouraged all of his children to love and share as brothers and sisters. The designation STEP was not a word he welcomed.
Upon marrying Cora Deverow and welcoming her infant daughter, his first duty was to his newly formed family. He set to put his family in a home they'd own; opting not to rent. He was one of the first among his siblings to own a home.
He was looked up to by his sibling as a role model to follow. He has established the model to be followed when it comes to blended families.
Family Members
Siblings
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Deacon James Grant
1905–1975
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Vanish "Van" Grant
1908–1963
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Deacon Ezekiel "E. G." Grant Jr
1910–1996
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Rosebud Grant
1911–1917
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Mother Sarah "Daught" Grant McKenzie Myers
1913–2003
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Deacon Walter "Buddy" Grant
1915–1970
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Mother Fay Bell Grant Warren
1916–2010
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Willie Mary Grant Allen Felton
1917–1999
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Levi Grant
1918–1976
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Emma Lee Grant Graham Bush
1920–1988
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Andrew Johnnie "B. O. Plenty" Grant
1921–2017
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Marian Elizabeth Grant Bowen
1924–2000
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Sanders Grant
1926–1972
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Rosa Lee "Rose" Grant Clarke Payne Johnson
1928–2002
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Deacon Jacob Grant
1930–2019
