Bobbie Jo Grand

Bobbie Jo Grand, beloved mother, grandmother, and trusted friend passed away peacefully on August 21, 2024 surrounded by her children. She was born on July 27, 1944 and was a lifelong resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Bobbie graduated from Central High School in 1962, where she was Miss CHS, a cheerleader, and voted “Cutest” of her senior class. She earned her BS in Business Administration in 1966 from LSU, where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She began her career as a buyer for Rosenfield’s department store before dedicating her life to raising her three children.

As a stay at home mom, Bobbie was active in her children's lives, planning special birthday parties with homemade cakes, serving as the "donut lady" at their elementary school and carting her children to dance lessons, gymnastics and soccer games. She hand made their Halloween costumes and sewed dresses for high school dances, leaving them with memories of her loving dedication and creativity.

Once her children were grown, Bobbie returned to the workforce, joining Root and Associates as an advertising executive. At Root, she forged lifelong friendships that remained dear to her until her final days. Bobbie later served as Vice President of Marketing at Casino Rouge and she completed her career at the Tiger Athletic Foundation where she used her unique talents in public relations. Bobbie took particular pride in helping raise funds for Mike the Tiger’s habitat and she could often be found on the football field at LSU games just before kickoff, capturing photographs of dignitaries and honored guests.

Bobbie found the greatest joy in her relationship with her children and grandchildren. A devoted mother, she loved her children fervently and was a great friend and listener, always offering a shoulder to lean on when called upon for support. She delighted in cooking for her family and mastered numerous recipes passed down from her husband’s Italian grandmother, Celestine “Maw Maw” Maestri. Bobbie was best known for her roast and gravy, stuffed artichokes, crawfish bisque, and perfectly seasoned marinated crab claws—dishes that will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to enjoy them. Her love of cooking led her to compile a cookbook of her famous recipes, which she gifted to her family and close friends, a cherished keepsake for all.

A lifelong fan of Elvis Presley, Bobbie had the thrill of seeing him twice in concert. She loved attending her best friend’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade party. While she preferred her own cooking, Bobbie could never pass up a veal cutlet from Gino’s. Bobbie spent her fall Saturday nights watching LSU football games and she never missed an episode of “Days of Our Lives.”

An only child of two working parents, Bobbie took on household responsibilities at an early age, preparing dinner for her family every weeknight as a young child. She continued to selflessly care for her parents until their deaths.

Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Willie Mae Bacot; brother, Wayne; sister Dorothy; and former husband, David Grand. She is survived by her children, Jennifer and her husband, Dr. Samuel Shuffler, Alison Grand, and David Grand, Jr. She also leaves behind her grandchildren; Maestri and Louis Grand, Mason, Henry, Maggie, Townes, and Charlie Shuffler, Asha and Louisa Patel.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Sabrina Hughes for the loving care she gave to Bobbie. We also wish to thank Dr. Ryan Chauvin, Dr. John McDonald, Dr. Michael Davis, Dr. Michael Conners, Dr. Arthur Hess, and Dr. Vince Cataldo for their exceptional medical care and expertise over the past ten years.

A service to honor Bobbie's life will be held at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge on Friday, August 30, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by services at 11:00 a.m.