Marion Grant Jr.

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, Marion Grant, Jr., 82, of Hyattsville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2025 at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, MD. He was born on March 21, 1943 in Hagood, South Carolina to Marion Grant, Sr. and Janet Grant.

Marion, affectionately called “Lil Boy,” began his education at Rafting Creek Elementary School in Rembert, South Carolina where he excelled in Math. Marion later attended Ebenezer High School in Dalzell, South Carolina, where he learned woodworking. Marion was also a member of the Future Farmers of America where he judged livestock at different county fairs.

A few years after his graduation from Ebenezer High School, Marion relocated to Washington, DC in 1962, where he temporarily worked at McBrides Department Store. Marion soon secured employment with P&P Construction Company, where he began his forty-four year career to become a foreman who directed and oversaw dozens of employees.

Outside of his work, Marion found joy in music, fishing, hunting, and traveling. Marion had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge especially for history and current events. He often spent his time watching PBS or listening to National Public Radio (NPR). He also loved road trips where he enjoyed stopping at local stores or eateries. Marion was never scared to take on new opportunities or adventures. He was well liked by everyone due to his funny stories and positive energy.

Marion’s life was marked by perseverance and survival. He was a survivor of the 1982 Air Florida Flight 90 crash in Washington, DC, an event that became a notable national tragedy that changed aviation history. His courage and composure during that harrowing experience led to interviews with national and international media, including ABC and the BBC, through which he shared his story of survival and hope.There is a memorial at the Ronald Reagan Airport that lists him as a survivor in the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority museum. This tragedy led him to write his autobiography, “The Life of Lil’ Boy” in 2023.

Marion was a true beacon in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Marion’s journey on earth was marked by compassion, wisdom, leadership, and a relentless work ethic. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by him. Although Marion’s physical presence may no longer be with us, his spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May his memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth his legacy of compassion in all that we do. Marion always made time to help others. His legacy will carry on forever reminding us to always choose to live a life of meaningful acts of service.

Marion is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Henrietta Grant of Upper Marlboro, MD; six children: Dr. Teresa Grant (ex-wife), Christopher Grant (ex-wife), Michelle Dunwoody, Sayon Grant, LaKeshia Grant Shephard (wife), and Ashley Grant (wife), all of the DMV; seven grandchildren: Christianna Grant, Gabriella Grant, Tyanne Grant, Tykaya Grant, Tyree Grant, Markei Grant, and Grant Shephard; loving mother, Janet Grant of Sumter, SC; two sisters: Lizzie (Wallace) White of Augusta, GA and Annette (Johnnie) Dinkins of Rembert, SC; aunts: Rev. Lillian Reynolds, Ophelia Spencer, Cornelia (James) Collier, all of Sumter, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, clients, and colleagues who were inspired by his spirit.

Marion was preceded in death by his father, Marion Grant, Sr., beloved grandmother, Laura Singleton, and two brothers, Bernie Grant and Daniel Grant.