Mamie B. Augusta Grant

“Faith built her bridge across the gulf of death.”

February 28, 1932 ~ November 23, 2013

ABBEVILLE—Mamie B. Augusta Grant, or “Bea”, as she was affectionately known by many, was born in Abbeville, Louisiana, on February 28, 1932, to Nona Nolan Plowden (deceased) and Thomas Augustus (deceased). She passed away peacefully on November 23, 2013, at the Maison du Monde Nursing Home in Abbeville.
She was blessed to be reared and loved by both her mother and her stepfather, the late Cleveland Plowden, Sr. Bea was united in marriage to her husband, James A. Grant. Maternal siblings are Cleveland Plowden, Jr. (deceased), Annie Fusilier (Bernard), Shirley P. Bernard (Gerald), Jeffrey T. Plowden (deceased, Patricia), Beverly Butcher (Joseph), Etheline Hills (Eddie), and Glen Earl Plowden (Lucy). Paternal siblings are Louis J. Augustus, Racheal Williams, North Augustus, Emmitt Augustus, and Gertrude Augustus, all deceased. Surviving paternal siblings are Gladys Nolan and Ruth Augustus, of Abbeville, Louisiana. Although Bea had no biological children, she was a second mother to Etheline and Glen. She was a beacon to her remaining brothers and sisters, many of whom followed her example in many ways. Bea was also caregiver to Joseph Cooper for a long period of time.
In addition to her husband and immediate family, Bea leaves to mourn a sister-in-law, Lucy Burrows, a brother-in-law, Bill Grant, and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and former students, and a host of friends. Her legacy will certainly be continued by those who were fortunate to have known her.
Bea’s early home life was strongly influenced by religion and education. She was the first in her family to get a formal education, and she was a staunch advocate of the importance of education throughout her life. After graduating from high school in Abbeville, she entered Leland College in Baker, Louisiana, with assistance from the pastor of her church, Dr. A. J. May. She graduated from Leland with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education, and she went on to receive her Master of Education degree from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La.
As she proceeded with her teaching career, she gave every support that she could to her younger siblings, to ensure that they also were well educated and prepared to take responsible positions in society. All four of her younger sisters also became teachers. She taught for 30 years in the Vermilion Parish public schools. She was strict, and required much from her students, but she was also fun loving and compassionate. Many students report how much the year that they spent in her classroom helped set their direction in life.
Bea was as passionate about spirituality as she was about education. She accepted Christ at an early age at Mt. Triumph Baptist Church, under the pastorate of the late Dr. A. J. May. She was one of several early pioneers in expanding the role of women in the church in teaching and speaking in public. She took on many responsibilities in her local church, as well as in the regional association. She was an advisor to pastors and other church leaders, and a respected teacher and counselor in a number of local churches. Her teaching was always well grounded in her own experience.
To strengthen her teaching, she took advantage of local seminary classes, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Education from the United Theological Seminary in Monroe, Louisiana. When she retired from teaching, she felt a calling to expand her counseling work. This calling led her to and through the Loyola Institute of Ministry Extension (LIMEX) program, and to a Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University in New Orleans.
Her commitment to her faith was also expressed in various community projects. A treasured time for her was a trip with her husband to the West African country of Ghana, connected with the Church Twinning International program, which “twinned” Mt. Triumph with a Ghanaian church. She made a deep, cross-cultural connection with the members of their Women’s Mission Society. Before they left Ghana, she became the central figure in an unfolding drama whose roots went back many generations. Kwaku Dei, a local citizen, had been told decades before that one day a descendant of an ancestor who had been abducted into slavery would return. And that he would be the person to receive him or her. When they met, they both knew intuitively that they were family. Her family in Ghana now mourns her loss with those of us in the US.
Bea was involved in a number of community organizations – professional, civic and religious. She was a member of the charter board of the HEROD Village organization, and worked tirelessly to help build a community center that could put historic Abbeville African-American schools to good use in enriching community life. She touched the lives of many people – students, church members, and community leaders. She had a lot of experience and insight into the human psyche and always tried to bring out the best in others, as well as in herself. Each stage in her life had its own uniqueness, and she faced each situation with compassion, warmth, strength and a willingness to share with others.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Vincent Funeral Home at 209 S. St. Charles St. in Abbeville. They will be open Friday, November 29, 2013, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for visitation. A Homegoing Celebration will be held at Mt. Triumph Baptist Church, 300 S. Lamar St., Abbeville, on Friday evening, beginning at 7 p.m. The church will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, for visitation, followed by the funeral service, which will start at 1 p.m., with Pastor Henry Maze officiating. Interment will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery on Jacqulyn St. in Abbeville.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.vincent-abbeville.com.
All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Abbeville (337) 893-4661.