Evelyn Harlan Grant

Evelyn Harlan Grant, lovingly known as “Gran” to her grandchildren, passed away on September 26, 2025, at the age of 95. Her life was long and full.

A longtime resident of Pascagoula, Mississippi, she devoted each day to family, community, faith, and service. Born on April 22, 1930, in Beaumont, Texas, Evelyn was the daughter of John and Helen Harlan. She graduated from Beaumont High School and attended Gulf Park College for Women in Long Beach, Mississippi, before continuing her studies at the University of Texas at Austin. There, she was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and earned her bachelor’s degree in English.

On November 24, 1956, Evelyn married Walter Kastler Grant, Jr. in Beaumont, Texas. They shared 57 years of marriage until his passing in 2013. Evelyn’s life was an emblem of dedication to others. She worked for many years at the Pascagoula School District library, where she shared her knowledge of books with countless students, including her three sons. For nearly 60 years, she was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Pascagoula. There, she sang in the choir and faithfully taught Mission Friends for five decades, nurturing generations of children in their faith.

Everything Evelyn did, she did for the people of Pascagoula. She often worked late into the night on crafts for her Mission Friends students. Treats from Anderson’s Bakery never failed to appear on doorsteps on big days. She never missed a Nutcracker performance, flowers in tow. Those far away could always depend on her to call and send goodies. Every single sports game, graduation, birthday, funeral, you name it—Evelyn was there. And she was never empty-handed.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter Kastler Grant, Jr.; her brother, John Harlan; and her sisters, Eleanor Rosbach and Eloise Harlan Selman.

She is survived by her three sons: Dr. Walter Kastler “Kas” Grant, III and his wife Ashley; Dr. Douglas Harlan Grant and his wife Gina; and John McClain Grant and his partner Rennie Busby. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Dr. Olivia Grant, Julia Grant, and Adam Grant.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Pascagoula. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. The pallbearers will be Kas Grant, Doug Grant, John Grant, Adam Grant, Luke Langlianais, and Jameson Cook.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church of Pascagoula, honoring Evelyn’s lifelong devotion to her church. Additionally, the family would like extend a heartfelt thank-you to the following people: Cynthia Graham, for her care and compassion in Evelyn’s final months, and whom was loved dearly by Evelyn; the staff at Singing River Hospital for extraordinary care over the past year; Lonnie the Postman, for always putting a smile on her face while delivering her mail, which was her lifeline; and Jay and Kristie Cook and their children for being a dear second family to Evelyn. The family would also like to acknowledge Jerry Lee’s/Ramey’s, for allowing her to hold court in their store for many years, which no doubt contributed to her longevity. And finally, First Baptist Church—you sure know how to make an ole Texas girl feel at home.

Evelyn will be remembered as a fixture of the community. She leaves behind a legacy of service that will continue to inspire all who knew her. We would all do well to follow her example, remembering that the best way to love each other is simply to show up—although showing up with cookies never hurts.

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