Biography: A Celebration of Life
Deaconess Mae Hill Grant
November 3, 1945 – Forever in Our Hearts

Her Life and Legacy
Mae Hill Grant was born on November 3, 1945, at Harlem Hospital in New York City, to the late Lottie and John Washington. She was one of ten children, raised in a family where love, togetherness, and lasting bonds were cherished. Six of her siblings preceded her in death: Henrietta, John, Raymond, Frank, Patricia, and Ruby.

Mae was united in marriage to the late Leonard Grant Jr. Together, they shared a life filled with love and family, raising two children: her beloved daughter, Livonia Hill, and son, Tyrone Hill, whom she loved dearly.

Throughout her life, Mae was a hardworking and dedicated woman who took pride in everything she did. Her professional journey included working as a switchboard operator and at a travel bureau in the renowned Rockefeller Center in New York City. She later pursued her passion for beauty and retired as a licensed cosmetologist.

A Heart Devoted to Family
Family was the center of Mae's world, and nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with those she loved. She enjoyed traveling with her sisters and friends, sharing laughter, making memories, and enjoying life's precious moments. However, her favorite journeys were always to North Carolina, where she eagerly looked forward to visiting her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mae shared an especially beautiful bond with her granddaughters, Unique and Taylor, who brought tremendous joy and pride to her life. Among her most treasured memories were witnessing the births of her great-grandchildren, Thomas (TJ) and Zhyen. Another unforgettable moment was traveling to North Carolina to proudly watch her granddaughter Taylor graduate from Winston-Salem State University. These were not simply milestones to Mae; they were blessings she held close to her heart.

Mae was loving, compassionate, funny, and fiercely protective of her family. She had a heart of gold and a selfless spirit, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her love was unconditional, her presence comforting, and her laughter unforgettable. She also loved dancing with her sisters and family, filling gatherings with joy, music, and beautiful memories.

Beyond her devotion to family, Mae was deeply committed to her Melrose community. She actively participated in the Tenant Patrol and served at election polls, demonstrating her dedication to helping others and making a positive difference in the neighborhood she called home.

Her Walk with God Deaconess Mae accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, beginning a lifelong journey of faith, devotion, and service.

In 2004, she followed her beloved husband to Fordham Gospel Mission for God and All People Church, where her faith continued to flourish. Through her dedication and commitment to serving the Lord, Deaconess Mae became a Missionary and was later ordained as a Deaconess.

She served her church faithfully, with humility, compassion, and unwavering devotion, until her health began to decline. Mae held a special love and admiration for her late pastor, Apostle Reverend Dr. Tinnie James, whose spiritual leadership meant so much to her.

Her faith was more than something she professed; it was reflected in the way she lived, loved, gave, and cared for others.

A Legacy of Love Mae leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love and cherished memories that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Livonia Hill, and devoted son, Tyrone Hill; five beloved grandchildren: Tyrone Young, Unique Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Tyla Hill, and Amari Hill; and her cherished great-grandchildren: Thomas, Zhyen, and Journey.

She is also survived by her two loving sisters, Reverend Gloria Broomfield and Geneva Smith (Eddie); her brother, Randolph Washington; and one sister-in-law, Patsy Bowman.

Mae also leaves behind seven beloved godchildren: Cassandra, Deborah, Cheri-Ann, Davante, Tynisha, Nya and Johan. 

She shared an especially close and meaningful bond with her nephew, Anthony Broomfield, whom she lovingly referred to as her son.

Her memory will also be treasured by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, neighbors, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, generosity, and unforgettable spirit.

Forever in Our Hearts Deaconess Mae Hill Grant lived a life defined by faith, family, love, laughter, and service. She was a woman of strength, compassion, and grace, whose presence could brighten a room and whose love could be felt without a single word being spoken.

Although her earthly journey has come to an end, the love she poured into her family, the lessons she taught, the laughter she shared, and the memories she created will live on for generations to come.

Her hands may now be at rest, but her love will forever hold us together.

Lovingly submitted by the family,