SAMUEL THEODORE GRANT, affectionately known as “Teddy” was born on the 6th day of October, 1918 to Ceva Wilchcombe and Manasseh Grant of West End Grand Bahama, The Bahamas. He was the 7th of 8 children born out of that union.
From his earliest years, Teddy Grant was always ambitiously striving, fun loving, and oh so full of life. He left quite a legacy from his youth in West End, the quaint, sea-side boating and fishing capital of Grand Bahama. Not only was he known for his exceptional skills in carpentry but Teddy was a premier fisherman and yachtsman, and was equally considered the premier catch for some lucky lady.
In 1949 or there about, Teddy met that special lady who would change the rest of his life for the better. It was in the meeting and marrying of American born, Verneda Hall, the daughter of the preacher and the missionary, Moses and Madeline Hall that he was led into a new life in Palm Beach Florida and eventually, a new life in God and the Church.
It was his boating and fishing, and business skills that immediately secured a comfortable life for he and his young bride in Florida. However, soon after Brother Grant discovered that like his father in law, his real life’s work was a call to Christian Ministry. And so after committing his life to the Lord, in 1955 starting as a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent, Rev. Grant launched into what amounted to 45 years of dedicated Ministry in the Church of God, the better half of his 88 years of life. He is listed as serving additionally as State Youth Director, Pastor, District Overseer, Bishop, Member of State Licensing Board, and most recently, he served on the committee for the coordination of Senior Citizen Services.
Possessing incredible business acumen, as demonstrated through his ownership and management of Grant’s Laundry Mat on Old Dixie, Highway, Riviera Beach, the hierarchy of the Church of God soon identified Rev. Grant as a builder. His ministry therefore, took on the pattern of continuous movement. He would be sent to what seemed the most struggling church, where he would grow it to unprecedented success, financial stability and membership only to soon thereafter be moved on to the next vulnerable location.
Although this practice seemed sometimes unfair, Rev. did not mind, he viewed it as an honor and a privilege. Wherever they sent Rev. Grant he became a blessing to every member he met and by this gained more and more spiritual family members. For his obedience and faithfulness he was bestowed by his peers in The Church of God with the rank and title of Bishop. Over the course of his years, Bishop Grant shepherded at Dania Church of God, Ft. Meyers Church of God, Boynton Church of God, Pt. Salerno Church of God, Opa-Locka Church of God, and 35th Street Church of God. He spent his final years assisting wherever necessary at his home church, 5th Street Church of God.
Through it all, while God remained first in his life, Teddy Grant held an unwavering commitment to his family. He will be remembered best as husband to the love of his life, Verneda, Daddy to his beloved daughter Pamela, devout brother to his siblings, godfather to his many godchildren and as Uncle Teddy and moral anchor to a host of nieces and nephews.
On Friday February 9, just before leaving to attend to the gardens of the Grace Estate as he did three times weekly, Teddy Grant suffered a massive stroke. Exactly three weeks later on Friday March 2, Bishop Samuel T. Grant made his final and complete ministerial move. He has gone on to receive his crown of glory and has joined the heavenly host in their eternal praise to our Lord and Savior, God through Jesus Christ.
MAY HIS SOUL ENJOY ETERNAL REST
He is survived by: his wife, Vernada Hall Grant; daughter, Pamela Grant Williams and son in law Lenwood Williams.
1 brother, Wilbert Grant; 2 Brothers in law, Levi Wesley Miller and Grover Hall; 4 Sisters in law, Emma Grant, Delphene Miller, Christine Hall and Anna Hall.
18 Nieces, Muriel, Beulah, Aldeese, Alsette, Virgill, Mucine, Cynthia, Archilee, Duvella, Florida, Lonnie, Pamela, Dolly, Lois, Rossilyn, Blondie, Natasha and Faith.
11 Nephews, Nicholo, Shogi, Plato, Vascoe, Dugal, Joacum, Wesley Jr., Kevin, Peter, David and Damien.
God Children, Issie, Dashwood, Nette, Sheryl, Bernice, Zernobia, Vantrice, Cecil, Sheldon, Derek, and others.
God sisters and brothers, Geneva Martin, Minette Cooper, Mary Storr, Wilton, Glen and Clarence Bartlette.
A host of other relatives, spiritual family and special friends too many to name, and the church family of 5th Street Church of God.
