Willa Mae Grantham, age 85, passed away Oct. 8, 2023, at Northshore senior living in
Knoxville, TN, in the arms of caretaker Judith Childress. She is preceded in death by her
husband, James Grantham, parents William and Marie Bond, daughter-in-law Michelle
Grantham and grandsons Robert and David Grantham.
Willa was born in Powell, TN on August 31, 1938. She has one sibling, sister Betty
Washington (husband Ray) who lives in Signal Mountain, TN.
Willa enjoyed traveling the U.S. with her husband James and children (in the earlier
years) and spent a number of years wintering in Florida and Texas in their motorhome after his
retirement. She enjoyed time with friends and family, her children and especially her
grandchildren whom she would light up for as soon as any of them would enter the room.
Willa had a deep love for nature and the outdoors, she enjoyed working in her flower beds and
gardening, saying "I just love to get my hands in the dirt". She also had a deep love and passion
for animals of all sorts and had a habit of taking in all the strays which would 'wander' into their
homestead. During her younger years in the 1970's she worked as a tour guide at the Knoxville
zoo where she took her children often. She instilled in them this same love and care of animals.
Willa was a loving, kindhearted soul whose kindness touched everyone.
Willa struggled for years with the growing complications of dementia and Alzheimer's
and eventually succumbed to the ravages of this terrible disease. The Family would like to offer
a gracious "thank you" to all the employees and staff at Northshore Heights Senior Living. They
would also like to offer a special "thank you" to the additional hired caretaking staff who
provided one-on-one care for Willa: Betty Jo Morgan, Judith Childress, Kristin Igielski, Rose
Smith, Rosetta Drew, Linda French, Dinah Quillen and the many others who worked with and
cared for Willa.
Willa is survived by her sons Howard Grantham, Ralph Grantham (wife Zoelena) Ken
Grantham (wife Connie Cannon), grandchildren Rhiana and Ryder Grantham, sister Betty
Washington (husband Ray) and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial service will be held @ Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church 7225
Old Clinton Pike Knoxville, TN. @ 1:00 PM Saturday Nov. 4 th , 2023 with lunch to be served in the
fellowship hall following the service.
Graveside service will be on Sunday Nov. 5 th , 2023 @ 1:00 PM at Woodhaven Funeral
Home 160 Edgemoor Rd. Powell, TN. 37849. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to
PATSUMMITT.ORG or ALZ.ORG for Alzheimer's research.