Melvin Grant

Melvin Grant, age 74, peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on Sunday, July 20, 2014 surrounded by his family. He graduated from Westfield High School in 1957 with honors; he graduated with honors from Miles College with a degree in Mathematics. While at Miles College he lettered in Football, Basketball and Baseball. He earned his Master's Degree in Mathematics with honors from Southern Illinois University. He began his teaching career in 1961 at Hooper City. While at Hooper City he taught Mathematics as well as coached football, basketball and baseball. In 1973 he was transferred to Wenonah High school where he was chairman of the Mathematics Department, Coach of the Academic Bowl Team and Math Team, served as head football coach and coached basketball and baseball until his retirement in 1995. A skilled Mathematician and devoted Educator, he continued to mold and shape young minds as a Mathematics instructor at Lawson State TRIO Classic Upward Bound program. He began refereeing basketball in Alabama during segregation. He was one of 4 African Americans to integrate the Jefferson County Referees Association where he remained for over 34 years. He has received numerous awards including but not limited to: Jefferson County Schools Football Coach of the Year, Birmingham City Schools Teacher of the Year, Teacher Hall of Fame, Miles College Sports Hall of Fame, Jefferson County Schools Basketball Coach of the Year and Birmingham City Schools Instructional Excellence Award. He was a lifelong and devoted member of St. Paul AME, Wylam where he served as Superintendent of the Sunday School and as a Steward. He was the cherished patriarch of his family who prided himself on assuring that the family gather for every holiday great and small to celebrate. He was preceded death by his parents, George and Louise Grant; his sister, Dorothy Bone and his brother George Grant, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Luzadie, his daughter Twala Grant Wallace (Steven), the light of his life, his grandson Tevin Wallace, his sisters Roberta Johnson (Habert) and Georgia L. Mayes, sister-in-law Doris E. Grant, brother-in-law Howard Smith (Vivian), Las Vegas, Nevada, two step sister-in-laws, one half sister-in-law and one step brother-in-law and a host of family and friends. Visitation for Mr. Grant will be from 6:00 - 7:30 on Friday, July 25, 2014 at St. Paul AME, Wylam. Funeral will be Saturday, July 26, 2014 at 12:00 PM at St. John Baptist Church, Dolomite, burial at Highland Memorial Gardens.