Irene Grant

Irene Doak Grant, of 142 Holbrook Street, died at home Saturday, February 10, 2024, after a decline of health of nearly a year-and-a-half. Born April 9, 1929, in Danville, Virginia, she was the daughter of Robert Thomas Doak and Pearl Rakes Doak.

A graduate of Brosville High School, she married Bernard C. Grant, Jr., a Ruffin, North Carolina-native, on July 24, 1948. In 1952, after the couple acquired the retail grocery business known today as Midtown Market, formerly Church Grocery, Mrs. Grant continued to work alongside her husband for some years in what has become the family business, a community anchor that yet flourishes after 70-plus years. In the mid-1970s, Mrs. Grant changed careers mid-life to realize her girlhood ambition of entering a caring profession, that of nursing. After earning her Associate Degree in Nursing, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse, practicing locally at the hospital long known as Danville Memorial Hospital, now Sovah Health. She retired from that institution after 18 years as an LPN to care for her ailing husband who died December 27, 2000.

Surviving Mrs. Grant are adoring children, Gary R. Grant and Janice Grant Harris, and son-in-law Mark. Survivors include as well a nephew, Robert T. Doak, III (Michelle), nieces Vanessa Massengill (Jerry), Donna Hively (Charlie) and Maria Abbott. She is survived also by a cousin, Edith Doak Petty, and a devoted nephew-in-law, Michael Young.

Preceding her in death were her parents, as well as two brothers, Lewis Doak and Robert T. Doak, Jr., and a niece, Ercena Lynn Bivens.

During her recent illness, Mrs. Grant was sustained by the companionship of her tireless nurse and caregiver, Kimberly Dickerson. Her days were brightened as well by a friend of long-standing, Sallie Gregory, among other friends and caregiver-companions. Attention afforded her by the staff of Commonwealth Hospice proved invaluable.

Mrs. Grant was a member of First Baptist Church of Danville, where a service in celebration of her life and abiding faith will be held on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. The church will open at 1 p.m. for visitation with the family. The service will conclude at Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be directed to First Baptist Church, 871 Main Street, Danville, VA 24541; the Danville Historical Society, P.O. Box 6, Danville, VA 24543; Boys and Girls Club, 123 Foster Street, Danville, VA 24541; or the Danville Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 3352, Danville, VA 24543.