Lee Edna McFadden Grantonz, affectionately known as “Little Bit” and Mother Grantonz, passed on January 30, 2026. She was born January 8, 1934, in Ozan, Arkansas, to Major and Katie McFadden. She was the eldest daughter and a guiding presence for generations of family.
Raised in a farming family, Lee Edna learned faith, perseverance, and hard work early. Her father worked as a farmer and, for a time, dug graves, while her mother cared for the home, picked cotton, and tended gardens. These years instilled humility, resilience, and trust in God.
At age nine, she moved with her family to El Centro, California, attending Washington
Elementary School and Central Union High School, graduating at 17. She later relocated to San Diego and attended San Diego Vocational School, completing PBX Operator courses to prepare for a career in telecommunications.
Reflecting on her life, she wrote, “It is the favor of God that I did not die. Although the enemy has fought for my life many times, God had a plan for my life.” Her early years in California included fond memories of living with relatives and playing on tractors.
Her faith deepened in San Diego at Apostolic Faith Temple Church, where she received the Holy Ghost under Bishop John Caldwell. On Easter Sunday, April 5, 1953, she married Elder Jellett L. Grantonz. Together, they devoted their lives to ministry and founded the Glorious Church of Jesus Christ in 1975. Lee Edna faithfully worked in administration and other areas to support the church until Elder Grantonz’s passing in 1985.
Professionally, she worked for Pacific Bell for 21 years, retiring in 1993. She remained active in faith and service at Shiloh Temple Apostolic Church.
Lee Edna loved family, music, and sports. She enjoyed piano, singing, volleyball, and basketball. She was the proud mother of Sharon and Deborah, and loved by her granddaughter Nicole, great-grandchildren Shacole, Mishayla, Xavier, and Zachary, and great-great-grandson Jedi, as well as her Godchildren and spiritual children.
She is survived by siblings; Viola Ward, Thomas McFadden, Carmen Collins, Michael McFadden Sr. (Rosa), and John McFadden (Betty), along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Jellett L. Grantonz, brothers; Dildy and
Dilda McFadden (Winn), and sister Frankie McFadden.
Lee Edna’s life was marked by faith, service, and God’s favor, leaving a lasting legacy of love, devotion, and inspiration for generations.