If you ever wanted to meet a true Southern Lady – well, this was your chance. Bessie Juanita (Vinson) Grant would charm you with a “bless your heart” or any other sweet tea expression she felt would warm your soul. You couldn’t help but be charmed by the lilt in her voice and the sparkle in her eyes. Two seconds into the conversation and you were hooked!
We believe Jesus welcomed a true Southern Belle into heaven on April 3, 2025. Bess was born to Leslie G Vinson and Florence Vinson (Beavers) on July 18, 1936 in Anniston, Alabama. She grew up on the family farm with her parents and three older brothers – Bob, Charles and Ralph. Family and neighbors were constant as it was during the depression and even though times were tough, there was always enough to share. This instilled her caring nature and her ability to welcome all who showed up at her door. She often talked about “fanny dippin’ in the river (she never learned to swim) and her days playing catcher on her school softball team.
This southern girl met a northern boy on a blind date in 1957 and they were married that same year. Bess married Donald Grant on December 30, 1957 and he whisked her away from sunny Alabama to snowy Caribou, Maine. She really must have loved him…
Her secretarial skills kept her in high demand with every move from Caribou, ME to State College, PA to Hackettstown where they settled in for the rest of their lives.
Their son Greg was born in October 1960 and their daughter Donna followed in September 1962. They lived on Grand Avenue until 1970 then moved to Charles Street where they spent the rest of their lives together. Sitting on the back porch watching the birds, deer, fox and an occasional bear was one of her favorite things to do – she LOVED that back porch!
Bess is predeceased by her parents, three brothers, her sisters- in – law Gail LaPointe, Mary Vinson and Juanita Vinson, nephews Chuck Vinson and Keith Vinson, her father – in – law and
mother – in – law Doug and Jean Grant
.
Surviving is her husband Donald, her children Greg Grant (Lynette Guarino) and Donna Pomerantz (Joe), grandchildren Jeff (Michelle), Connor (Taylor), Sam (Margy) and Bryn (Gene), Great Grandson Oliver, Sister- in – law Faye Vinson, nieces Karla Aber (Jeff) and Kim Vinson and Brother – in – law Donald LaPointe plus extended family members. We will all miss her.
Bess did not want any type of service so we will honor her wishes. Her wish was to be cared for by Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 and have them oversee her cremation.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org) or the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org).
She would love for you to tell your family, friends and especially all who may need it – that you love them, adore them and cherish them. The family will gather at a later date and
celebrate Bess even though we really celebrate her every day in the lessons and love she shared. We sure are going to miss her.
For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com
.
Condolences(13)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Reggiani, James
Next Baldwin, George C.
Cindy L Neumann says
April 4, 2025 at 6:07 pmDear Donna and Greg,
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I really got to know her while volunterring at the church thrift shop, even though we were neighbors. She sure could get you laughing and we actually had a lot in common. She would always come to me while volunteering and let me know that something came in that I might be interested in. Those days were a lot of fun. I’m sure she will be missed by many.
Mrs. Lester (Joy) Snyder says
April 4, 2025 at 8:32 pmSending my Sincere Condolences to the entire Grant Family…Our kids all grew up together and we spent many a fun time with Don and Bess years ago vacationing, trips or attending the famous Kof C dances. Such good memories of such a sweet and kind friend. Heaven has another Angel….Joy Snyder
Chick and Linda Dimiceli says
April 4, 2025 at 8:50 pmDon I am sad to hear of the passing of Bess She was a very special lady Every time I would see her she would give me a smile and something funny to say She was always so upbeat You guys were so good of a couple a perfect match She will be missed by everyone God Bless
Janet Lake says
April 5, 2025 at 12:59 amBess and Don were our neighbors for 9 years on Charles Street. She was there for me when our girls were born and Joey and the girls were small. I was from North Carolina so our southern upbringing made us closer.
Don, Greg and Donna I am so sorry for your loss.
Donna, you introduced Samantha to sleepy dust when you were babysitting. We still use it with little ones! We always say your name when we sprinkle it! Time goes so fast, Bess will laugh on in my heart until I see her in glory! I love you all
Janet Lake
Sharon Schlomer Housel & Pat (The Villages Florida) says
April 5, 2025 at 6:15 pmDear Don & family and all those whose hearts were touched by the loss of your southern bell. I met Bess when we worked together at Henion International, Port Murray NJ.
Bess and I did a day trip to the Philadelphia Flower show one year and both of us enjoyed the beauty of nature.
Pat & I had moved out of the area and I stopped by many years ago to catch up on things. Sadly, we all say, I would have, I could have done it more but I’m proud to say I knew and worked with Bess and enjoyed chatting with Don for he did teach my husband Pat at Hackettstown High School years ago. May Bess R.I.P. and hugs to all.
Paul & Robin Wallace says
April 5, 2025 at 7:30 pmDear Grant Family
My Wife Robin and I were very saddened to read of Mrs. Grant’s home going, and though In Christ our LORD we know She is truly in HIS presence, the sting of separation on this side of life is real and Hurts.
We pray our FATHER in Heaven provides you all with the comfort only HE can provide.
GOD Bless
Paul & Robin Wallace
Gary J. Kuipers, Sr. says
April 6, 2025 at 5:00 pmDon ( I still refer to you as Mr. Grant) it saddens me to learn of your wife’s passing. I only met her once and she was a vibrant lady. My condolences to the family. Your dad was my chemistry teacher at HHS.
Janet Lake says
April 6, 2025 at 6:14 pmSomething that gave me comfort, Bess is well now. Her glorified body awaits her. Her spirit is with the Lord! Knowing her she’s bursting at the seams wanting to tell us all about it.
Chick and Linda Dimiceli says
April 7, 2025 at 11:12 amDon we are so sorry to hear of the passing of Bess She was a great lady always greeted just with a smile and a little something funny to say You guys were the perfect couple We will always have fond memories of her God BLESS
Darryl Applegate says
April 10, 2025 at 4:06 pmMr. Grant, Gregg, Donna, and families,
My family and I are saddened by the news of Mrs. Grant’s passing. I have many fond memories of growing up with you as neighbors and friends and I will never forget her warm, cheerful hospitality. She was truly a sweet lady. Our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers.
Darryl and Debbi Applegate and Family
Maureen Storey says
April 10, 2025 at 5:09 pmI’m so sorry to hear of Bess’ passing. She volunteered with us at the Trinity Thrift Shop for many years. Bess was a delight, always a twinkle in her eye and a little aside that would have you laughting. Blessings to all who were touched by her wonderful spirit.
Josephine Stout -Cell says
April 11, 2025 at 5:14 pmDear Don, I am so sorry for your loss. I know that your faith and all your family and friends will help you through this difficult time. Bess was held so dearly by so many and I wish you peace and healing and know that Bess is with our Lord and Savior Jesus now. ✝️❤️✝️
Patty Brady says
April 13, 2025 at 5:48 pmDear Donna, Just now saw your Facebook post on your sweet Mom’s passing. I will never forget how she showed us how to dance by pretending to put a cigarette out by twisting your foot, or how to clean the house by wiping the lipstick off the milk container! Such a fun lady. May eternal rest grant upon her and may her soul rest in peace. Amen. Love, Patty
Search Obituaries
(908) 852-3361
905 High Street
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
FAX: (908) 852-4117
All Rights Reserved