Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada for Mrs. Sylvia Gates Magee Grant, 75, of Oakland, who died on Saturday, Feb. 11, in Tupelo. Burial followed in Oakland Cemetery. The Rev. Sam Dodd officiated. Family and friends gathered from noon until service time on Monday, Feb. 13, at McKibben and Guinn.
Sylvia was born on Sept. 1, 1947, in Batesville, the daughter of the late Rupert and the late Marina Hayward Magee. She grew up in the Town of Oakland where she loved playing with her friends and riding her horses. Her family later built a home in the country outside of Oakland on 4 Sisters Ranch. She was a graduate of Oakland High School and Delta State College (University) where she majored in music education. Singing and playing the piano and organ were some of her favorite pastimes, but she mastered playing many other instruments. Her love of music led her to share it with others by teaching lessons and playing in church.
Spending time outdoors was something Sylvia loved, whether it was working in her garden, squirrel and bird hunting or riding in horse shows. She spent many hours putting up vegetables from her garden and was known for her delicious Southern cooking. Bridge was another love of hers, and she enjoyed playing with local bridge clubs, all of which she treasured their friendships. Animals of any kind were a true love of hers, especially her squirrel dogs, but her Eskimo Spitz was her most recent beloved pet. She was a member of the Oakland Methodist Church.
In 1968, Sylvia married Will Grant from Duck Hill and they lived in Oakland where they raised their two sons. They were married for 55 years. Family was first and foremost to her and she enjoyed the special times she had with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, three sisters, Barbara S. Magee, Martha M. Toole and Charlene M. Leverette, preceded Sylvia in death.
“Syvie,” as she was known to family and friends, is survived by her husband, Will Grant of Oakland; sons, James Grant and Reid Grant, both of Oakland; granddaughter, Casey Grant-Griffin of Grenada; grandson, Will Grant of Grenada; six great grandchildren; a special cousin, Sarah Abner Wilbourn; a host of nieces and nephews and her precious pet, Sandy.
Will Grant, Buddy Holland, Laine Leverette, Rich Ross, Blake Toole and Hunt Toole honored Sylvia by serving as pallbearers and carried her to rest in the Oakland Cemetery. Mike Robinson served as an honorary pallbearer.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Oakland Cemetery, c/o Joy Mullen, 79 Oak St., Oakland, MS 38948.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
