Biography:

With profound sadness and loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Loletha Grant, affectionately known as “Blue,” who entered eternal rest on June 12, 2026, at New York Presbyterian Hospital in New York, New York.

Loletha was born on August 27, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama, to her devoted mother, Ethel Grant. As an only child, she brought immense joy, warmth, and radiance to all who knew her. At the age of one, Loletha relocated to New York City with her mother and grandmother, Willie Bell Grant. She spent her childhood surrounded by the love of her family, including her uncles James Grant, Herman Woods and cousins Lola Henry, Mattie Moore, and Herman Woods Jr.

Loletha attended Taft High School in the Bronx, New York, and later began her professional career at the Bank of New York. Throughout her life, she remained a dedicated and hardworking woman who found purpose in helping others. Her career included positions with ADAPT and ARRIVE, where she made a meaningful impact as a counselor assisting individuals affected by homelessness, HIV/AIDS and supporting harm-reduction initiatives. Her compassion, empathy, and commitment to service touched countless lives.

Family was the center of Loletha’s world. She welcomed her first daughter, Lanelle Grant, in 1968, followed by her second daughter, Lakeisha Grant, in 1978. In 1982, she married Richard Nelson and later welcomed her youngest daughter, Latoya Grant. Her daughters were her pride and joy.

A defining moment in Loletha’s life occurred on September 11, 2001, when she was present at the World Trade Center during the attacks on the Twin Towers. The long-term effects of that tragic day ultimately contributed to the development of throat cancer and led to her retirement. Despite these challenges, Loletha faced life with resilience, courage, and grace. She successfully overcame cancer.

Retirement allowed her to embrace one of her most cherished roles, which was that of a loving grandmother and caregiver. She took great pride in helping raise and nurture her grandchildren, creating memories that will forever be treasured. Loletha also enjoyed dancing, spending quality time with her beloved mother, attending the annual Old Timers Reunion, and making trips to Atlantic City. Her laughter, energy, and love for life were infectious.

Loletha was a woman of deep faith who believed firmly in God. She lived with gratitude, embraced every moment, and valued the relationships she shared with family and friends. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering love will remain a lasting inspiration to all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved daughters, Lanelle Grant, Lakeisha Grant, and Latoya Grant; her son-in-law Charles Obiriotchere, her treasured grandchildren, Dr. Lakeia Murray, Tahchee Grant, Imani Grant, Lanasia Grant, Kashiem Grant, Jordan Grant, and Jared Grant; her grandson in law Malcolm M Murray, and her adored great-grandchildren, Jaden West, Malcolm J. Murray, Jayla Murray, Emarie Grant, Jace Grant, Kairo Grant, and Amir Grant; her cousins including Nicole Plaskett, The Woods Family, and a host of friends including Darryl Thomas and many others.

Though Loletha’s physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit, love, and legacy will continue to live on through the generations she nurtured and the countless lives she touched.

“Those we love never truly leave us. They live on in the hearts they touched, the memories they created, and the legacy they leave behind.” Forever loved, forever remembered, forever missed.