Mrs. Jelean Taylor Grant

MRS. JELEAN TAYLOR GRANT was born on September 10, 1933, in Lexington, Mississippi, to Almeda Moore and William T. Taylor. As the eldest sibling, she took on the responsibilities of leadership and care within her family from a young age, an instinct that would guide her throughout her life. At an early age, she confessed her love for Christ and became an active member of Salem Baptist Church in her hometown, where her faith flourished and shaped her spiritual journey.

In 1947, Jelean married Charles Edward Grant, and this union brought forth a vibrant family of twelve children. Her primary calling was that of a devoted wife and nurturing mother, providing love, support, and guidance to her large family. In her early years, she also worked as a sharecropper alongside her father-in-law in Greenwood, Mississippi, where she learned the values of hard work and perseverance. In 1956, seeking new opportunities and a brighter future, the family relocated to Chicago, Illinois. It was here that Jelean's entrepreneurial spirit blossomed. She became affectionately known as the neighborhood Snowball Queen, operating a small but beloved snowball operation. This endeavor not only provided for her family but also fostered a strong sense of community, as she warmly engaged with neighborhood children and families, creating joyful memories that would last a lifetime. With the help of her children, she poured her heart into her business until her health no longer allowed her to continue. After settling in Chicago, Jelean joined the Purity Holiness Church of God under the leadership of Pastor Golden D. Hill. The church was later renamed to New Day Christian Center Church under the leadership of Bishop Gregory L. Hill. Jelean served as a devoted Evangelist and Mother. Her unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she dedicated herself to sharing the gospel and winning souls for Christ. Her commitment to her church and community inspired many and created a legacy of faith that would be honored by those who knew her.

Jelean was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Mr. William T. Taylor and Almeda Moore; her devoted husband, Charles Edward Grant Sr.; and three of her children: Charlene Grant Weatherly, Charles Edward Grant Jr., and Larry Grant. She also mourned the loss of five sisters and four brothers, carrying the weight of their absence throughout her life.

The rich tapestry of her life continues to be woven through cherished memories held by her beloved sister, Josephine White of New York; a brother, Henry Lee Johnson of Mississippi; and her nine surviving children: Bobby Grant, William Grant (Joyce), Carlton Grant, Tyrone Grant, Ronald Grant (Erma), Louise Ann Grant, and Carrie Lee Grant Griffith (John), all from Chicago; Lottie Mae Grant McAtee (Michael) of Greenwood, Mississippi; and Diann Grant West (Sammie) of Braselton, Georgia. Mrs. Jelean's legacy further extends to her many grand- children: Patricia Spearman, Woodrow Weatherly, Donna Weatherly, Charles Robinson, Bobby Grant Jr., Michael Grant, Tasha Lyles Pitchford, William Grant II, Latosha Renee Grant, Andrew Grant West, Justin Grant West, April Shaw, DeAndrew Grant, Angelique Grant, Latasha Grant, Nina Griffith Johnson, Marcus Griffith, Tyrone Clay, Tyrese Lane, Tyrese McQueen, Kevina Fleming, Charles Payne, Carlton Payne, and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless extended family and friends. Each of them carries a piece of her love and spirit, ensuring that her memory lives on in their hearts and lives.