Ja'Zahrie Asha Grant

Ja'Zahrie Asha Grant was born on December 2, 2002 to Zoe Watson and James Grant on Yakota Air Base, Tokyo, Japan. Shortly, after her birth she was diagnosed with a peroxisomal disorder. The doctors believed she would not survive past the age of five. Ja'Zahrie spent her life defying expectations. Told that she would not be verbal Ja'Zahrie, learned to express herself through her smile and her eyes. She was told that she would not walk, and instead she was able to make her way into the world with the assistance of a wheelchair. Told that she would not benefit from schooling; she attended school for several years with the assistance of a dedicated mother and nursing staff.

She had a vibrant group of friends; Asia, Azjanea, Alise, Amari and Natasha. They have been together from the time she was young. She was sure to invite them to birthday parties, the movies, and just hanging out at her bedside. With her friends she was never defined by her disabilities but by the warm heart she always displayed.

Ja'Zahrie became a beloved part of her church. Ja'Zahrie gave her life to the LORD in 2010, at the Holy Convocation in San Antonio, Texas. Ja'Zahrie was always included in church events. She especially enjoyed the annual children’s Christmas party, where she could get her face painted and later participate in the costume party. Ja'Zahrie made a splash in 2022 when as part of her classes’ Disney Villain theme, came dressed head to toe as Yzma.

Never one to be limited, Ja'Zahrie was well traveled. She took trips to Alabama, Georgia, Texas, Northern Virginia, and Florida to fulfill her dream of going to Disney World. Thanks to the care of her mother and nursing staff she was able to visit places, that her doctors believed she would never go.

Ja'Zahrie, made her way in life, defied the limitations that others tried to place on her and lived for an additional 16 years past her doctor’s prognosis. Ja'Zahrie is survived by her mother, father, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She lived a full life and spread light and hope.

A public viewing will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Ave. Hampton, VA 23666; with a Celebration of Life to follow at 6:00 PM. The family requests that all cards and flowers are sent directly to Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home.