Mrs. Annie R. Grant

On Thursday, October 19, 1944 in Florence, South Carolina Jerome Grant, Jr. and Gladys Helen Cain Grant welcomed their first born Annie Ruth. Annie became a big sister twofold when Diane then Jerome, III joined the family. Annie proved true the adage that you have to watch out for the quiet ones. As a young girl, she was mischievous and loved to play tricks but was always kind. While the Grant children lost their parents early in life they honored the memory of their parents by always supporting and encouraging each other. Annie took care of Diane and Jerome, III and, in turn, they took care of her. Annie moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after graduating from Gibbs High School, Pamplico, South Carolina in 1962. She resided in Philly for many years and established several lifelong friendships. In the mid-90s she left the northern winters behind to join her sister Diane and brother-in-law Robert Ragin, Sr. in the warm sunshine of Umatilla, Florida. Annie was adventurous and a lifelong learner – learning to drive and getting her driver’s license at age 55. She held several different occupations and had many talents. Annie was a trained hairstylist, an experienced seamstress, cooked a fabulous sweet potato, and learned to fish under the tutelage of her close friend and best riding buddy Thelma Williams. Faith and a strong belief in God was Annie’s foundation. She met the Lord as a young child at Springbranch Baptist Church in Pamplico. Annie continued serving God throughout her life and, once in Umatilla, was inspired by the leadership of Reverend M.D. Brown to join Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She remained a proud Piney Grove member under Pastors Mike Davis, Patrick Thomas, and Rudy Rolle. While Annie never married or had children of her own, she was an excellent auntie to Robert Ragin, Jr. (Sonya), Regenia Ragin Smith (Tyrone), and Camilla Ragin. She made many train trips from Pennsylvania to Florida to visit her nieces and nephew. When she moved to Florida, she forever changed what it meant for the Ragin kids to go home for a visit. With the addition of each great-nephew, great-niece, and great-great-niece, Annie remained a highly treasured auntie. Annie Grant was a wonderful woman. She was funny and witty. She was considerate, holding her tongue and choosing not to speak negatively or in judgment. She performed many acts of kindness and, as was her way, she did them quietly and with little fanfare. She loved and was well loved. When the Lord called her home on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, the world lost a little bit of goodness. But those who knew her can all take comfort in knowing that the world is forever better because she was in it. Annie Grant will be truly missed by her aunties, siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Tributes

Mrs. Annie R. Grant

October 19, 1944 - September 28, 2016