Mrs. Catherine “Kitty” Sparrow Grant, 97, of New Church, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
Born on Sept. 9, 1928, Kitty was the youngest of nine children of the late Francis Douglas Smith and Henrietta Ella Williams Smith. Throughout her life, she was known for her kind heart, unwavering faith, and genuine love for others.
Kitty dedicated many years of service as a bookkeeper with Accomack County Public Schools. She began her career at Atlantic High School and, following its closure, transferred to Arcadia High School, where she remained until her retirement. Her warm smile brightened the halls each day, and both her coworkers and the students looked forward to seeing her. She was always willing to lend a helping hand, often reaching into her own pocket to assist a child in need.
After retiring from the school system, Kitty and her family owned and operated the New Church Market for several years.
A devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church in Bloxom, Kitty remained a faithful servant of the Lord throughout her life and lived each day with compassion, generosity, and grace.
In addition to her parents and siblings, Kitty was predeceased by her first husband, Clifton Arnold Sparrow; her second husband, Donald Ellis Grant; her daughter, Karen S. Windsor; her son, C.A. Sparrow; and her son-in-law, Brian Hansen.
She leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren and their families, Stephanie Hansen and her son, Cody, of New Church, Stacey Sparrow, of Pocomoke City, and Sherry Westmoreland, of Georgia; her son-in-law, Robert Windsor, of New Church; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
Services will be conducted from the graveside at the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Bloxom on Saturday, Aug. 22, at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Joey Anthony officiating.
Contributions in Kitty’s memory may be made to Riverside Shore Hospice, P.O. Box 616, Onley, VA 23418.
Memory tributes may be shared at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
