This unique woman was born to the late Williford and Eva Bell on December 5, 1907 in Ashburn Georgia. The family moved to Philadelphia, Pa. during her early years. She attended and graduated from the Public Schools of Philadelphia. Being an only child, her parents instilled the need for a quality education, which she imparted to her children. She enrolled and graduated at Cheyney University majoring in elementary education. She became an advocate for learning disabilities and enrolled at Penn State and Rutgers earning her Masters degree in Special Education.
Mrs. Grant was employed for more than thirty years as a Special Education Teacher and Counselor with the School District of Philadelphia. She retired in 1971 to serve her church as the Fifth President of the Women’s Missionary Council, the highest office that a woman could attain.
Making the decision to accept the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as her Savior she became a member of Holsey Temple CME Church in 1919. She was a tireless worker serving as President of the Missionary Society, Stewardess, Trustee, Choir Member and a frequent speaker. She also organized the Nurses Aid Unit.
While education was important, so was her love for the family. In 1930 she married John Roosevelt Grant and to this union was born five children namely: John R. Jr., Williford Bell (deceased) Judith E., Eva P., and Paulette Anita. The Grant Household was always buzzing learning biblical history and enjoying frequent quizzes on a variety of subjects.
Mrs. Grant embraced the changing times, and participated in church and community programs. She was associated with the National Council of Negro Women serving as local President and National Vice President. She had the pleasure of working with the legendary Dorothy Height. Other organizational memberships included the NAACP, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She also invited members of the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, and the Arthritis Foundation to inform, and share new techniques to help the membership.
Church work always fascinated Mrs. Grant. In addition to her distinguished service at the local church level, she became Editor of the Missionary Messenger, the official publication of the Women’s Missionary Council. She also became a noted and dynamic leader. She was elected delegate to the District, Annual and General Conferences, and also delegate to the Quadrennial Assemblies of the Women’s Missionary Council many times. Like Dorcas, the builder and a strong leader, Mrs. Grant’s influence was felt throughout the CME Church. She helped to nurture and mold the careers of Ministers, General Officers, Bishops and many other leaders in the church. They sought her advice and wisdom, and counsel when needed. She endeared herself to them adopting them as her church “sons and daughters”. |
|
Ecumenicity was important to her. This also gave her the privilege and honor to represent the church at home and abroad. Her representation included the National Council of Churches USA, The World Council of Churches, The National Conference of Christian and Jews, The World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women and Church Women United. She traveled to Russia, Italy, Ireland, England, and Jamaica.
Mrs. Grant received numerous awards and honor in recognition of service for her unselfish devotion, commitment and leadership. In 1974 she was cited as Mother of the Year by Holsey Temple as an exemplary role model and Wife and Mother. The White House under the presidency of Jimmy Carter invited her to come as a representative of the National Council of Negro Women. In 1991 she was recognized as the outstanding Missionary for the past 50 years, and was honored in 2001 for her unique contributions to the Missionary Council. We are extremely proud to have a church named in her honor, located in Pemberton, NJ. Named also is the Pauline B. Grant Academy in Jamaica, and the Pauline B. Grant Educational Center in Accra, Ghana.
Much more could be said about Mrs. Grant. She was a pioneer, visionary, and a woman of enormous courage, tenacity and perseverance even in the midst of failing health. She was gracious, charming, and sophiscated yet with all of her accomplishments, she never forgot her Christian roots, and always remembered her church, and her beloved Missionaries. Many gravitated to her because of her interest and love of each individual. She had an amazing affect with all with whom she came in contact with.
In the early morning hours of March 8, 2002 the Lord welcomed her to continue her work in heaven as a leader, missionary and servant. Since it has been nine years since her demise, we can never forget her emphasis and importance of doing the best that you can while serving to build God’s kingdom.
Her philosophy was that each person possesses a special gift that the Lord has bestowed.
Let us serve the present age, our calling to fulfill, O may it all our powers engage to do the Master’s will.
∞∞∞∞∞∞∞
Respectfully Submitted: The Grant Family |
