Emma G. Grant

On Saturday, December 30, 2023, Emma Louise Gilbert Grant made her way to her eternal home.

She was greeted by her husband Berry W. Grant, Sr. after 17 years apart.

Emma, called Louise and “Tommy” by her family, also held the title of Mom, Grandma, and Great-Nana, as well. She was the Queen of her family, the one that loved all, who was always positive and provided comfort to those around her. She put her family first always. Her presence alone would light up the room.

Emma was born February 23, 1929, to the late Orin Westley, Sr. and Georgia Ruth (Cupp) Gilbert.

On April 1, 1949, she married Berry W. Grant Sr. who preceded her in death on January 10, 2006.

She was also preceded in death by her siblings, OW Gilbert, Jr., Elizabeth Crickenberger, Virginia Ocheltree, and Arlene Crickenberger.

Family meant everything to Emma, she took pride in the meals she made for her family, holidays, birthdays, cookouts, and reunions spent together - she absolutely loved that time. She especially enjoyed the food - she loved her sweets! Purple was her favorite color and she wore as many shades as possible. Fishing was a hobby she enjoyed with her sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons.  She cherished times with those who took her on her many adventures, especially looking for deer and chasing trains.

She is survived by her children, Linda (Edward) Waitier, Peggy (Jug) Smith, Berry, Jr. (Terri ) Grant, and Charles (Vonda) Grant; her only granddaughter, Jennifer (Bradley) McDaniel; her grandsons, Josh (Elizabeth) Smith, Colton Grant, and Isaac (Breanna) Grant and Walker Grant; her great-grandsons, whom she adored, Grant and Levi McDaniel; her sister, Pauline Miller; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. She is also survived by her favorite hairdresser and friend, Scottie Carpenter, whom she enjoyed her Friday visits with so much.

She was a homemaker for her career and she took that title seriously. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t cook or sew.  She gifted many snowflakes, pillows, quilts and anything in between that were made from the heart with love. She loved flowers and had the greenest thumb. She never had enough plants and loved fresh flowers.

She was a godly woman who loved the Lord and taught her family to put God first. She played the piano and sang for her family and her church. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Staunton and attended Mt. Paran Baptist Church until her husband’s death and then she attended multiple churches with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed meeting so many people at the multiple churches she attended.

She fought a good fight and lived her life to the fullest for 94 years. The family wants to thank all her doctors, nurses and caregivers (Linda and Edward Waitier) for all they did during her final years. She loved with her whole heart and was loved by all.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 28, 2024 at First Baptist Church in Staunton.  

A private interment will be conducted at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah (Hospice of the Shenandoah, c/o Augusta Health Foundation, P.O. Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939) or to the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation (2821 Emerywood Parkway, Suite 203, Richmond, VA 23294).