Letitia Nelson Montague Grant (Tish) was born in Alexandria, Va., on October 17, 1941. She was an ardent person with a logical streak that helped her pursue her passions. She created and collected art, travelled extensively, and worked to improve her community at all levels.
Above all, Letitia’s enduring impact was rooted in her unwavering commitment to justice and peace. Through quiet acts of dissent and steadfast encouragement of others, she helped build bridges and foster understanding in times of conflict. Her life’s work—woven from artistry, activism, and boundless compassion—left an indelible mark on every community she touched.
Among the milestones that shaped her life, Letitia’s education stood out as foundational. She attended grade school, high school, and later college, all in Virginia during a period of intense social upheaval. When her eyes were opened to the realities of segregation and the stirrings of the Civil Rights Movement, she emerged with a resolve to challenge injustice.
She was engaged in the Vietnam anti-war movement, completing Quaker non-violent training and using these techniques to promote peace and order at major rallies in Washington, D.C., particularly those held in October and November 1969. During the January 1973 presidential inauguration, she protested President Nixon’s election by quietly holding a sign alongside her sister and brother-in-law calling for the impeachment of Nixon and Agnew.
She thrived working at her dream jobs in the European Painting Departments of the Metropolitan Museum in New York City and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. At the National Gallery of Art, she assisted Curator of Painting Hereward Lester Cooke. She joined Lester’s life art classes held at the Washington Art Center and took over the operation after Lester died.
Letitia’s intellectual curiosity and creative appetite were matched by a pragmatic sense of organization. This unique blend allowed her not only to thrive as an artist, but also to help run local artist coops—creating spaces where fellow dreamers could find support and opportunity. Recognized for her dedication, she was nominated for consideration as Washington Artist of the Year, a testament to her influence in the broader arts community.
Travel also played a significant role in her story, offering perspective and inspiration. From navigating the chaos of the 1965 New York City blackout trapped in the subway to witnessing the aftermath of the devastating Florence flood in 1966, Letitia sought out the world in all its beauty and complexity. She delighted in turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, whether discovering the art and architecture of distant places or simply sharing a meal with newfound friends abroad.
She passed away peacefully at home in hospice care surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 29, 2025. In accordance with her wishes, her body was donated to science, serving as a final contribution to society.
Deeply loved by her husband Willard Grant; daughter Sally; son Shelby; granddaughters, Hazel and Marcella, and other relatives, Letitia brought an artist’s perspective to every aspect of life. Her homes reflected this, filled with art—her own, her grandmother’s, and that of contemporary artists—and always featured fresh flowers.
In lieu of gifts, donations may be made to her preferred Gloucester charities: The Fairfield Foundation, Flat Iron Crossroads, Ware Church, or a charity of your choice.