Iva Lee Passmore Grant, 95, passed into eternal life with Jesus on March 20, 2026. She was born on May 25, 1930, in a logging camp in Athens, Tennessee, where her mother worked as a cook. She grew up primarily in Swain County but lived in several places throughout her youth.

At the age of 16, she married a handsome young man named Dillard Hensley Grant and they shared 74 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in 2020.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Bitha Mashburn Stiles; her stepfather, Robert Stiles; her only sibling, James Harry Passmore (Frances); and a great-great-grandson, Weston James.

Mother and Daddy were blessed with six children. She is survived by her sons: James Dillard (J.D.) Grant (Judy) of Sylva, Dennis Grant (Darlene) of Berea, Kentucky, and Danny Grant (Sherri) of Fletcher; and her daughters: Regenia Deaver (Bryon) of Canton, Sandra Long (William) of Toccoa, Georgia, and Theresa Sutton (Rob) of Sylva.

She also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, and one on the way. Additionally, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Lenna Gibson, whom she spoke with every day.

Iva gave her heart to Jesus at the age of 21 and was deeply devoted to serving Christ throughout her life. She was a faithful member of Center Pigeon Baptist Church for many years. Iva was a homemaker, raising gardens, canning, and all the things a mother does raising 6 children. In her later years, her greatest joy was “family get togethers” and talking on the phone with her children, family and friends.

The family is especially grateful to her granddaughter, Paula Pressley, for the love and care she provided over the past six and a half years. They also extend heartfelt thanks to Four Seasons Hospice for their compassion and care during the last six weeks.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. located at Center Pigeon Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Reverend J.D. Grant and Reverend James Robertson. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Center Pigeon Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family of Iva Lee Grant has entrusted Wells Funeral Home of Canton with her care.