Marjorie Williams Grantham

Legacy of Life Marjorie Williams Grantham was born June 25, 1941, to the late Herman Dillard Williams and Maggie Lena Hewlett Williams. She departed this life peacefully on May 24, 2026. She was educated in Richmond City Public Schools and graduated from Armstrong High School in 1959, where she was proud to be a “Wildcat” and played in the band. She also attended Virginia Union University for a short time. Her professional career led her to Thalhimer’s Department Store, where she became one of the first African American clerks and later held a position in management. She retired from Hecht’s/Macy’s after more than 35 years of dedicated service. Along with her professional employment, she was also a Wedding Coordinator and a piano teacher with students of all ages. Following her retirement, she was an Office Assistant for Dr. Ronald Cade, Orthodontist, for several years. Marjorie was an active member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America for many years. Margie, as she was so fondly known to us all, married William Grantham, Sr., and from this union 2 sons were born, William “Billy” Grantham, Jr., and Steven “Tony” Grantham, Sr. Later in life she became the guardian for her grandsons, Steven, Jr. and Michael. Through her sons, grandsons, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends, she has a large extended family. Marjorie was baptized at an early age at 31st Street Baptist Church. She was a faithful and dedicated member for over 70 years. Margie’s musical career at 31st Street Baptist Church resulted in 67 years of service. She began her career playing piano at the age of fourteen for the Church School. She later became the pianist, organist, and director of the Young People’s Choir. They performed concerts at various churches throughout the city where they sang anthems, spirituals, and gospel music. Margie’s responsibilities grew, and she became the pianist and organist for the I.H. Hines Gospel Choir. She was instrumental in introducing various musical instruments to the Music Department. The first being her sons, Billy as our bass player, and Tony as our drummer. She felt blessed to have them at her side. Margie later became the director of the Darrel Rollins Memorial Mass Choir. Under her direction, this choir grew to become “the choir of choice”. She was also the musician and director of the Male Chorus. The directors and musicians changed within the music department, and Margie always strived to attract the best. She weaved her magic, and no choir was ever left unattended. Margie was predeceased by her son, William Grantham; grandson, Terrance “TJ” Grantham; parents, Herman and Maggie Williams; and sister, Rozelle W. Hicks. Memories will be cherished by her son, Steven “Tony” Grantham, and 3 grandsons, Steven Grantham, Michael Grantham, and Marcus Grantham; 2 granddaughters, Alexis Grantham Saunders (Kahlil) and Tonya Grantham;13 great-grandchildren, Ja’Niyah, Sa’Liyah, Kitai, Kiyla, Mya, Khyair, Seven, Aiden, Jalen, Kyree, Kyrell, Jaxon, and Carter, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, among them Diane Ward, devoted cousin; Latasha Heath Brown, Goddaughter, and long-term friends, Reverend Dr. Patricia Heath, Ms. Rosalind Thompson Crandall, Lay Leader, Brenda Kelly Knight, Minister of Music, Milton Gross, and Debbie Johnson. Deacon Emmitt Thomas and Deacon Beverly Wynn would accompany her to various doctor appointments. Margie’s legacy of love, faith, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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Marjorie Williams Grantham

June 25, 1941 - May 24, 2026