Dorothy Jean Grant

In Loving Memory of Dorothy Jean (born Gillins) Grant Dorothy Jean Grant, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, in Plano, Texas, at the age of 95.

Born on March 7, 1930, in Dallas, Texas, Dorothy grew up with a deep love for learning, family, and faith, values that guided her throughout her long and meaningful life. She was a woman of grace, quiet strength, and compassion whose wisdom and warmth touched everyone she met.

On June 30, 1951, in Dallas, Texas, Dorothy married Boston P. Grant Jr. Together, they built a home filled with love, faith, and family, sharing a devoted partnership that endured through the years.

A proud scholar and educator, Dorothy attended Prairie View A&M University, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1951, and a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1953. She continued her pursuit of knowledge at the University of North Texas in Denton Texas, where she earned a Master’s degree. Dorothy dedicated her career to teaching for the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), inspiring countless elementary students, with her patience, creativity, and love of learning. She was honored with a Teacher of the Year award for her outstanding contributions to education and retired in 1989 after decades of shaping young minds.

Dorothy was a devoted mother to her three children, Michael Allen Grant, Phyllis Lorraine Grant, and Charles Ruben Grant, always prioritizing their well-being, growth, and happiness. She was the proud grandmother of Requita R. Grant, Lauren Alyce Grant and Brandon Michael Grant, and blessed with great-grandchildren Mark Popper II and Reign Bradley, and one precious great-great-grandson, Mark Popper III. all who will carry forward her legacy of love,strength, and faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Randolph Gillins and Lenoria Cornelia Jackson-Gillins; her husband Boston P. Grant Jr.; her son Michael Allen Grant; her daughter Phyllis Lorraine Grant; and her siblings Donald Ray Gillins, Herschel Gillins, June Elizabeth Gillins, Leroy Gillins, and Neva Nell Gillins-McQuater. She is survived by her loving sister Willie Pearl Gillins, her daughter- in-law, Sharon Grant, her son Charles Ruben Grant, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family who will cherish her memory forever.

Dorothy was a faithful member of Warren United Methodist church where she served with the Willing Workers and as a Communion Steward. She found joy in creating ceramics at the Dalworth Recreation Center in Grand Prairie and loved sewing and quilting. She could often be found watching sewing shows and tutorials on YouTube, always eager to learn something new. In her younger years, she found peace and happiness in gardening, particularly tending to her rose bushes. She had a lifelong love of history and the Bible and treasured traveling with family. One of her most cherished memories was visiting St.

Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican with her daughter Phyllis– an experience she held close to her heart.

Dorothy will be lovingly remembered for her friendly and talkative spirit. She cherished a good conversation and had a gift for making others feel at ease. Whether in person or on the phone. Her laughter, stories and gentle wisdom could brighten anyone's day . Time spent with Dorothy always left you feeling loved, understood and uplifted–a true reflection of her generous heart and joyful soul.

Dorothy’s warmth , kindness, and vibrant spirit touched all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She lived her life with dignity, humility, and faith serving as a source of guidance and strength to her family. Though she will be deeply missed, those who were fortunate enough to know her will carry her joy, wisdom and generosity with them always. Her kindness and faith touched many lives, and her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

“Her life was a lesson in love, strength, and grace—a teacher not just by profession, but by the way she lived.” — The Grant Family