Mrs. Ordie Beatrice Grant

Mother Ordie Grant was born June 20,1933 in Gibsland, Louisiana to ARTHUR SNEED AND ALMA (SMITH) SNEED. Mother Grant was the youngest girl of their six children and as such was affectionately known as 'Lil' to her immediate family. She attended primary school in Gibsland and high school in Tallulah, where her family relocated in 1945. In 1952, Mother Grant, the youngster of her relatives and peers whom she followed, relocated to Milwaukee and joined them. This also, is where she met and married her husband of 44 years, CLARENCE GRANT; who passed away in 1997. Mother Grant's strong Christian foundation was laid by her parents who instilled in her an understanding of God's love and grace. Her parents also modeled for her a strong work ethic and a strong love of family and service to others. Mother Grant is a descendant of a tremendous legacy. Her GREAT GRANDMOTHER ELIZA SMITH - born a slave, was a strong woman who modeled valuing family and leadership. When the great Eliza Smith was freed in the late 1860s, she bought hundreds of acres of land, and today the land is yet owned throughout this great family. Mother Grant is a fourth generation heir. Mother Grant loved her family. She loved her children, her relatives, and her church. She was very loyal to her loved ones. She was encouraging to anyone in her family, church, or neighborhood. She was strong willed with a gentle spirit and a kind nature. Mother Grant was also resourceful to her peers. She was always called upon when needed for information or service. She was the family mediator in receiving and forwarding information. She honored and adored her first cousin and previous Bethesda First Lady, Mother Liller Pearl Bates. When called upon, Mother Grant didn't hesitate to respond to any need request by Mother Bates, as-well-as others in the family and church. Mother Grant accepted Christ at a very young age and became the very first member to attend BETHESDA CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST, retaining her membership throughout her adult life - nearly 61 years. Her honors and recognitions in the ministry are too many to name here but, know that her contributions helped make Bethesda the ministry that it is today. Some of her many contributions to this ministry include official appointment to: Church Mother; Finance Committee member; President of Pastor and Wife's Anniversary committee; President of the Mother's Board committee; Captain of Team 4 finance drive for 20+ years (which Bethesda will rename "Grant's Day" in her memory); Lead Usher for 30+ years and President of the Building Fund finance team. Mother Grant also volunteered with the Outreach Ministry for over 30 years. Mother Grant was a committed servant to this ministry and was on stand-by and willing to help whenever a request for help came her way. Mother Grant was also an incredible cook known for her famous 'punch bowl' cake, hot water corn-bread, dressing, collard greens and potato salad. She received requests from all over the community for these dish favorites. Mother Grant loved to read and it was not uncommon to find her with her Bible, a book or newspaper in her hands. She was also active in her community and was a supporter of the United Negro College Fund, People with disabilities, and Father Flanagan's Boys Home. Mother Grant was a dedicated employee of Milwaukee County for 15 years. She retired her civil service in 1990. She was also a devoted mother of nine children and will be missed tremendously. She is PRECEDED IN DEATH by her beloved husband CLARENCE GRANT, her parents - ARTHUR AND ALMA SNEED; brothers - Roy SNEED AND SAMSON SNEED and one sister; Lou WILLIE TYLER. She leaves to cherish her memory nine children: BILLY JOE (Georgia) of Louisiana, LINDA (John) McGee, MAURICE, STEPHEN, FREDDIE, TODD, GREGORY, JAE Ijiyode (Minnesota), and KIMBERLY. She also leaves 17 grand-children, 24 great grand-children, and 5 great-great grand-children; one sister, ELIZA TRAVIS and one brother, RUEBEN SNEED (California) and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Ordie Beatrice Grant

June 20, 1933 - July 2, 2015