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Vivienner Vetrice Grant was born in Jacksonville, Florida, on January 29, 1949. She departed this life on January 18, 2021. Fondly called Viv, Vivian, Vetrice, or by her birth name. She was the apple of her parents' life. Joseph Grant, Jr. (Deceased) and Elnora Grant Sampson (Deceased). Born premature, her Dad would come home from the hospital and tell her mother, "Viv had a conversation with me today." This would always make her smile when she heard that story.
Her formative school years included attending Darnell Cookman, Isaiah Blocker, and Stanton High School in Jacksonville, Florida. At the age of 6, she desired to become a professional nurse. Her career path took her to Philadelphia, PA, with the encouragement from her cousin, Mabel, who was a nurse. Having received her RN degree, she was a committed employee to Willis Eye Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for 31 years.
Viv's leadership role gave her many job promotions. She became the "staff nurse" of the year multiple times and was chosen to represent her peers at conferences. She established a great relationship with each supervisor that she worked under. God blessed and favored her throughout her nursing career. When her unit merged with another team and eliminated her position, the administration created her a higher-level role. The path God planned continued to manifest throughout her career.
On July 21, 2010, Viv endured a medical procedure that left her partially paralyzed and changed her life. Having great faith, she believed she would walk again, and God would get the Glory. Even though she suffered pain, Viv continued to smile and remembered that Jesus suffered even more. With the heart and the passion for nursing still inside of her, she continued to encourage, teach, and motivate all young nursing professionals that she encountered and inspired them to continue their education and trust God no matter what they were experiencing in life.
Her spiritual life was God-centered and busy. She converted at the age of 14 in Jacksonville, Florida. She participated in many activities at church. In 1974 she joined LaMott A.M.E. in Philadelphia, PA. She devoted her life to many organizations and had an eye for decorating. Her daughter and son-in-law often joked with her about the fictitious "V.Grant Designs." Her eye for detail and elegance allowed her to decorate for many church functions and other friendly projects. During her illness, she found comfort in decorating and sharing her style with the supportive members who supported and visited every week. Viv also loved to travel and was a dreamer.
God blessed her with a wonderful mother who gave her all to Viv throughout her life. She was a humanitarian and excellent "Mom-me," that always went the extra mile to help others. Viv always felt much guilt because she always wanted her to be happy and not have to worry.
Viv loved her daughter, Jada, very, very, much. She worked hard so that Jada could receive the education she needed to be successful and achieve her dreams. Viv wanted Jada to be cultured, so they traveled extensively in and out of the country. Viv was so proud of the smart, determined, and strong woman Jada had grown to be. Viv loved that Jada and Darryl (Husband) continued to strive to obtain higher and greater in God, marriage, parenting, education, and careers. Three grandchildren were born to their union, Diem, JR & Dior, whom Viv love with all she had. Viv lived for her grandchildren and always shared how proud she was of them and the importance of their happiness and education. Jada always stated, "Mommie, education is not an option for them."
For Viv, her family was the cornerstone of her being. Nothing could separate the love she had for her sister, brother, and mother, or any member of her family. Viv had a strong and special bond with her brother that was filled with laughter and sports.
Her family will forever cherish her memory. Thanks to the other family members and friends who took this journey with her. She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph L. Grant Jr., mother, Elnora Grant Sampson, sister, Sheryle Grant Walker, and sister-in-law, Diane Grant. She leaves to mourn her daughter and son-in-love, Jada and Darryl, three grandchildren, Diem, JR, Dior, and a brother, Anthony Grant. A host of beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, Keya, Kenyata, Brandie (Marvin), nephews, Antonio, Anthony, Jr. & C'Shaun Addison. A host of great nieces and great nephews, a dear friend Mary English and a host of friends from LaMott A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, PA.
She leaves us with her daily prayer to God, "I love and thank you, Jesus the Christ, for all you have done for me." To all of you, be blessed.
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