Cedric Philbert Grannum

Cedric Philbert Grannum Obituary

“Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4

Cedric Philbert Grannum, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother was called home to rest with the Lord on January 6, 2025 at the age of 84. Cedric was born in Sophia, Georgetown Guyana on January 12,1940 to the late Fitz Arthur Grannum and Mary Elizabeth Grannum.

Cedric lived a life full of passion, dedication, and love for his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Grannum with whom he shared a fulfilling and supportive marriage for 53 years. The couple married on March 6, 1971, after a memorable first meeting at a seminar sponsored by the Ministry of Education for 3rd and 4th Standard teachers in Region 4.

Mary fondly recounts that day when a handsome man rode up on his motorcycle, stopping just inches in front of her and with a confident smile, he greeted her warmly. Later, in the seminar room, he chose a seat directly behind her and spent the session playfully distracting her. That moment marked the beginning of a lifetime of companionship and love.

In addition to his wife, he will be sadly and forever missed by his children - Lloyd Watts, Sharon, and Kevin Grannum; grandchildren – Brittany, Damon and Jalen Watts, Kayla Adams, Khaleil, Kyle, Mya and Madison Grannum; siblings – Emil Grannum, Maylene Barker and Elton Grannum; sisters-in-law - Elaine Grannum,  Jeanette Grannum, June Shepherd, Kathleen Caldeira, Jane Edghill and Bridget Ten-Pow; brother-in-law - Percy Caldeira; daughters-in-law Wendy Watts and Monique Grannum. As an uncle, also left to cherish his memory are Dr. Jennifer Joseph and others, Dawn Phillip and others, Michelle Grannum and others, Duslyne Spence and others, Alexandria Henry and others as well as numerous cousins, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Sydney Prince, Selina Cameron (Nella), Eric Grannum and Edmond Shepherd.

Cedric’s life was defined by a profound passion for education.  His journey began in 1955 at St. Mary’s Lutheran School. It was there that Cedric had the privilege of being mentored by two remarkable educators, Dr. Louis Bone and his wife, Mrs. Olga Bone.  Dr. Bone, the school’s principal, recognized Cedric’s potential and appointed him as a Pupil Teacher at just 15 years old. As Cedric recounted “I went to school as a student and came home a teacher”.

He went on to earn a Trained Teacher’s Certificate, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guyana, followed by a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Education from the University of Alberta.  His professional journey was as impressive as his academic one. He joined the National Testing Unit in Guyana in 1970, where he rose to the rank of Chief Test Development Officer. He later served as the Acting Chief Education Officer, contributing significantly to the educational development of his country. His work in education went beyond policy and testing; it was about understanding the needs of students, ensuring fairness, and fostering an environment where every child could reach their full potential.

After immigrating to Brooklyn, New York, Cedric continued his commitment to education by returning to teaching all subjects at PS 92 Elementary School before retiring in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to learning and the development of young minds.

Cedric had a deep love for military history and sports, especially cricket and boxing.  An avid history enthusiast, he found great joy in immersing himself in the stories of the past, particularly those about military history which he could discuss with great knowledge and enthusiasm. His commitment to learning and growing never waned, and he passed this love of history on to his family.

A man of meticulous nature, Cedric approached all tasks in life with a careful and deliberate mindset, always striving for perfection in whatever he did. Whether he was working on a project or spending time with his family, his dedication to excellence and his unwavering attention to detail were evident in every aspect of his life.

Cedric’s love for his family was the cornerstone of his existence. His kindness, generosity, and support created a strong and loving home for those around him. He was a man whose gentle spirit and quiet strength left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

He will be deeply missed by us and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Cedric’s legacy of love, dedication, and knowledge will continue to inspire those he leaves behind. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of his loved ones, and his life will be celebrated by all who were fortunate enough to have been a part of it.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) – 801 Sophia St, Fredericksburg, VA 22401.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lenox Road Baptist Church Scholarship Fund at https://app.easytithe.com/App/Giving/lrbc.  Please select the Scholarship Ministry from the dropdown menu.

Burial will take place in Laurel Memorial Park Cemetery - 10127 Plank Road (Rte 3), Spotsylvania, VA 22553. In honor of Cedric Grannum's Life, the Grannum Family will receive family and friends at the Riverside Lodge - 10 Montera Ave, Fredericksburg, VA. 22405 for a Celebration of Life Luncheon immediately following the interment.

Family and friends that are unable to attend the funeral service may view the entire funeral service online.  Please log on to:  https://shiloholdsite.org/funerals/ and click on the Grannum Funeral Service tab and view the service live.  The funeral service will remain on the Shiloh Baptist Church website for additional viewing for approximately three months.