Teresa “Tessa” Lynn Grant

Tessa Lynn Grant
Teresa “Tessa” Lynn Grant

On Friday March 4, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, Teresa “Tessa” Lynn Grant, 61, of Amarillo, TX departed this earth peacefully to her heavenly home. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 in Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Teresa Lynn Grant, Tessa to those who knew and loved her and to know her, was to love her, and best known as GiGi to her favorite people in the world was born on October 11, 1960. Tessa was the 6th child of John and Delphine Schwartz. She was a spit fire from the start, and she had to be to keep up with her siblings. She had lots of people fighting her battles growing up but she was always tougher than she seemed.

She received her bachelors degree in Education from West Texas State in 1987. Tessa worked various teaching and social work jobs but always found work in helping and serving others.

Tessa was a warrior in life and fought some tough battles. She’s been a friend of Bill W. since June 15, 1995 and has always done her best to use her battle stories as an inspiration for other people. She has battled through kidney disease and a transplant in 2017 and spent the last 7 months battling cancer and through it all, she always had love and guidance and empathy for others. There wasn’t a thing she would not do to help someone in need if she was able, and she always lived life with joy.

Tessa’s grandchildren were the light of her life. When she found out she was becoming a grandma she decided she wanted her grandchildren to call her GiGi to stand for Greatest Grandma. And she definitely was the greatest grandma. Her heart was happiest when surrounded by her grandchildren. She loved going to all of their games and recitals and was proud of each of them for their different talents.

Tessa is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Debbie Schwartz, her mother-in-love, Louise Barrett, her brother, John Schwartz, and her sister, Karen Schwartz. She is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, Chess Grant, her daughter, Beccah Schwartz and son and daughter-in-love BJ and Lori Schwartz, 6 grandchildren (Chloe, Miles, Liberty and Justice, Brody and Berkley). She is also survived by two of her sisters and their husbands (Peggy and Jerry Eitzen, and Anne and David Frye), her brother Kurt “Butch” Schwartz, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, along with many friends and coworkers. Some would need a small computer to keep track of all her love.

Please use this link to view the funeral via livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRgqKplsPKg

18 Replies to “Teresa “Tessa” Lynn Grant”

  1. Chess and family,
    I was saddened to hear about the loss of sweet Tessa. I really loved her. She and I shared the same “firecracker” spirit and she helped me through many tough times many years ago.
    Not to mention she and Chess made it possible for me to have my first home on Tyler street. I love you both very much. Chess my thoughts and prayers are with you. You guys will always hold a special place in my heart 💙

  2. You will be missed by all. Where ever you go Beloved, you were Loved. My Condolences for the family. You are in my Prayers Chess.

  3. Tessa and I shared a birthday 10/11 and although she was a little older I always teased her about that. I was truly honored to get to know her.
    Chess, We send our sincerest condolences and prayers for you and the family. God bless you all.

    Sincerely,
    Danny & Elaine Wilson

  4. Barbara and I are devastated by Tessa’s passing. Tessa’s name was synonymous with love. We met Tessa shortly after she and date started dating and it was obvious to all that knew either of them that it was true love. I know, over the years, Tessa has helped so many people on a very personal level, sharing her experience, strength and hope. Tessa’s love showed immensely as she talked about her grandchildren. While we will be unable to attend her service, Barbara and I will be there in spirit and offer condolences to Chess, Beccah, BJ, all the grandchildren, and all of the family and friends.

  5. I was honored to know Tessa. She was a positive ray of sunshine. She was fiercely loyal and protective of her family, friends and those in need. You will be missed.

  6. I have had the immense honor of working alongside Tessa for the majority of the last five years. She was an incredible person who loved greatly. She dedicated her time to helping others through their toughest battles and being a listening heart and helping hand through the process.

    I have learned so much from her. Tessa always volunteered her time and advice to help me in my toughest times at work as well- whether it was driving late at night or consoling sweet kiddos into the late hours of the day… I could always count on Tessa. Her caring soul will always shine through the lives of those she touched. I will never forget how Tessa’s face lit up when she spoke about her grand babies. I feel immensely honored to have known, learned from, and cared for such a beautiful person. We will miss you so much, sweet friend.

  7. Tessa was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She, along with Chess, served as as a beacon of hope for so many people. She will be missed immensely. RIP sweet lady

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