Verla Grant was born Verla Jean Caldwell to Richard Caldwell and Lemma (Cotton) Caldwell on August 1, 1940 in Longview, Texas.

She was the fourth of eight children: four boys and four girls. Verla graduated from Longview Negro High School in 1958. After high school, she moved to Dallas to attend Bishop College for a brief period. It was in Dallas where she met her husband Isaiah Grant. They married on August 15, 1965 and born to this union were two children, Derek and Karen.

Verla accepted Christ at an early age. She was a faithful member of Concord Church in Dallas, Texas where she served on the usher board for many years.

She had a long career in the retail industry where she worked at several department stores which included Neiman Marcus, Sanger Harris, and Macy's. She retired from Macy's in 2005. She loved fashion and was always dressed to the nines. Affectionally known as 'Aunt Jean' or 'Jeanie', she will forever be loved and remembered by her family.

On the morning of Tuesday, September 22, 2020, Verla transitioned to her heavenly home. She was preceded in death by her husband of 24 years, Isaiah Grant; and her parents, Richard and Lemma Caldwell. She is survived by her two children, Derek Keith Grant and Karen Garland (James II); four brothers, Richard Caldwell Jr. (Thelma), Harriett "Shagg" Caldwell (Connie), Lloyd Caldwell, and Thelma "Dickie" Caldwell; three sisters, Marian Richardson, Erma Vaughn (Chester), and Linda Davenport; two grandchildren, James Garland III and Kamryn Garland; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends and neighbors.