I was born 022650 to Verta Lee and Marquis Lafayette Grant. My father preceded me death. Mark grew up in Muskogee, one of nine
children. I love my family.

My bestest girl of all time is my mom, who is still the prettiest lady in the world. I would borrow money from her to buy her flowers.

Those sisters of mine were the best: Laversia (surprise meals and a great writer); Idella
(my twin and confidant); Freida (our experimental sister— we tried everything on her—she was a
good sport); Duane(escaping on his tricycle to Kenneth Hooks' house, I always caught him); Terrell (Tuna— we had ESP with each other had conversations in our sleep); Alphonso and Alonzo (brothers who took care of mom and dad while I
was away— best twins); Paul (Pooh Bear brother who went ahead of us to be with the Lord); Ronald
Grant, Michael, Brian and Mikie— loved you guys so much. Ronald (Rumpy) was so special to come
and visit me.

Aunt Mae Helen—Doc—I just loved you like a bossy big sister. Mrs. Brackeen, you are so special, I
love you as well.

All my cousins—wow—I cannot
put all the names here of the McDaniel's grandkids and all the Grant cousins. We had fun growing up together.

My friends growing up Phyllis, Bobbie, Carol, Sheryl, Liz, and the list goes on and on...
Thank you.

I played basketball for the Old Mount Calvary in the church basketball league. I also played for the Manual Training High School football and basketball teams, and was a bright student, I
thought, until Otherine, who was smarter.

I graduated from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. I married the girl who loved me from the first time she saw me in our
younger days. She became the love of my life.

Claudette and Jim Harrison sponsored our wedding since we were just in love and had no
money. They, along with Maxine and Owen Jones, became our closest friends during that time. We
were married on August 4; all six of us shared the same wedding date.
To our union was born Nicole Annette, Marvel Lucretia, and Marquis L Grant IV. We adopted
many others as our own along the way, such as Zachary, Carol, and Keith. We loved them as our
own. My grandchildren are: Nicole's twins,
Gabrielle and Seth; Marvel's four—Michelle, Curtis, Kensington, and my twin in life, Kaeden; JoJo's crew of three: Marquis V(my namesake), Christina, and Christa.
Crystal Grant my favorite daughter in law; Dwayne Martin my favorite son-in-law; Adam Gilbert, Curtis Brown, and Elijah Morris, former
sons- in-law that I love dearly.
Brother in law Maurice Derrick and sister-in-law Denise grant. Mother-in-law Ida B Jones who took me as her own son. Best friends forever Ronald Wardlow, and my favorite talking-the-dozens Arnold, my son.

My twenty-five year friendship with Sabrina and Rich
Gelado, Jerry Redo, Doyle Debro, Dennis Jackson, Mary Thomas, Sandra Kay Glover, Willard Paige
(THESE GUYS FLEW TO FLORIDA TO SPEND TIME WITH ME) Tom Gray and others. The class of 67 that prayed, called, visited, loved, and kept me in their daily memory banks which I knew and felt daily. Thank you.

I know I have left others out
and it was not intentional. I ask you to know that in my heart you have a special place and I love you. DataCore family of George and Diane (favorite traveling around the world buddy); Ziya and
Nancy Aral (favorite philosophical discussion buddy); Augie and Susie who were always giving to my family; Jon Ely (who listened to my stories over and over and continued baking cherry pies
over and over); Roni P and John B (my favorite golfing buddies John with the can of "Whoop XXX"); Pam (my favorite outback buddy) and good friends Debbie, Vicky and Dee; Carolyn and Teri(ladies who just were always nice to me); Ben and Virginia whom I loved to share stories; George Dochev who just loved me as I was; Brooks and
Judy were good people to us.
My favorite Pastor is Larry Thompson because he looked just like Billy Tubbs, but didn't have the Billy Tubbs' mouth *.
When asked by Larry why I didn't go to church every Sunday, I said "God is everywhere isn't he?"
"Yes" Was his response and I said "Well, he's on the golf course with me." To Pastor and Cynthia, the First Lady of First: thank you for keeping me in
your prayers and accepting me as I am.

Thank you to John and Shari Jones who visited and prayed. There are many other friends that I don't mention because I wanted this to be just an overview into my life—rich, full, interesting, fun and blessed.

I lived a good, rich life, and a full life. Loved by all
of you, cared for by Niki, Vell, JoJo, Seth, Gabby, Dwayne and Crystal Talked to and driven by
Gabby, Seth and Peanut Chelli, and was entertained by all the rest of the grandkids.

Smile, I am out of out the bed—walking, running. I enjoyed
life with no regrets. I did what I wanted to do in life. I dreamed, I traveled, I loved, I enjoyed
living—so should you. I always had a reality check with Bettye. She seldom stopped me, but always
questioned the reason and was always praying over whatever I was doing—she and her prayer partner of 17 years Ms. Bertie. Thank you for your relationship with me.

I am at home in my mansion
prepared for me. Rejoice, I had it good on earth and now am at the eternal home with God.

I love you, yes, you.

The Hour of Remembrance for Mr. Grant will be on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 1:00 P.M. in the Timothy Baptist Church. Pastor Kelly Payne is the gracious host Pastor and Michael Collins, Eulogist.

You may visit Mr. Grant, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. The family will be present to receive friends.