Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory

04/17/2026

Shirley Jean Allegretti

Shirley Jean Allegretti, 90, of Franklin, NC, passed away March 20, 2026. Shirley was born October 24, 1935, in Cook County, Illinois, to the late John and Selma Kaercher Nilles. Mrs. Allegretti worked as a hospital office administrator for Angel Hospital and was a devout attendee of St. Francis Catholic Church. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Allegretti was preceded in death by her husband, Stan Kiersnowski (1992); her husband, Dan Allegretti; a daughter, Susan Horner; a son, Tom Kiersnowski;...

View Shirley Jean Allegretti's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/16/2026

Funeral traditions have changed a lot over the years.

If you had to choose today, which would you prefer?
🪦 Burial
🔥Cremation
🤔 I’m not sure yet

Let us know in the comments. There’s no wrong answer—thinking ahead simply helps ensure your wishes are known.

04/14/2026

Louise Kirkland Hurst

Mrs. Louise Kirkland Hurst, 95, of Franklin, NC passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026. She was born March 11, 1931, to the late Fred Kirkland and Lucinda Jenkins Kirkland. Louise was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She was a homemaker and enjoyed canning, cooking and having big groups of people over to her house. She loved reading her bible and attended the Jehovah Witness Kingdom Hall. She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Creel of Franklin, NC...

View Louise Kirkland Hurst's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/12/2026

Pamela Jean Bryson

Ms. Pamela Jean Roper Bryson, 76, of Topton, NC passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026. Pamela was born March 15, 1950, to the late Walter Roper and Ophia Louise McGlouthin Roper. Pamela was a loving mother, Meemaw, sister, and friend. Her family and children and grandson were her whole life. She loved cats and other animals. She was an avid Tar Heel fan, loved Michael Jordon, and enjoyed watching her soaps like General Hospital. She was of the Baptist faith...

View Pamela Jean Bryson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/11/2026

Today, we celebrate the pets who greet us at the door, sit beside us in quiet moments, and become beloved members of our families.

In honor of National Pet Day, we’re reminded how deep the bond between people and their pets truly is. That’s why we’re proud to offer pet memorial and funeral services—helping families honor and remember the companions who mean so much.

Give your furry friend some extra love today.

04/08/2026

Diane Fuller Cotton

Diane Cotton, 68, of Franklin, NC, passed away Monday, April 6, 2026. Diane was born December 1, 1957 in Swisher, Texas to the late Billy Gene Fuller and Mary Stroman Fuller. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Education was her passion, and she served more that 40 years in the public school system. Most recently she served as the principal of Union Academy from 2013-2023. She loved children and worked to make sure that every child in Macon...

View Diane Fuller Cotton's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/05/2026

Wishing you a joyful Easter filled with peace, hope, and time with loved ones.

May the beauty of the season bring comfort and renewal to your heart.

Happy Easter to you and your family from all of us at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home.

04/03/2026

At Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory, we value our partnership with Men's Challenge of The Smokies and their mission that transforms lives. Serving your family allows us to make meaningful connections within our community and beyond.

04/03/2026

Gladys Vinson McDowell

Gladys Vinson McDowell, 90, passed away on April 1, 2026. Born on December 22, 1935, in Macon County in the Scaly Mountain community, she was the daughter of Reba Chastain Vinson Deal and Ralph Vinson. Gladys was a real estate broker who truly enjoyed meeting new people. She was an active member of her community and served on several local boards. She was one of the original members of Mountain Findings and played a key role in organizing the program....

View Gladys Vinson McDowell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/01/2026

Christina Aina-Marie Andersen

Christina Aina-Marie Andersen, 79, of Scaly Mtn., NC, passed away March 29, 2026. Christina was born February 5, 1947, in Brooklyn, NY to the late Alfinn Andersen and Margaret Ahlgren Andersen. Christina was of the Lutheran faith. She loved to quilt and sew, and was a fan of the Florida Gator fan and Atlanta Braves. Christina was an animal lover; she also loved the mountains especially Highlands and Scaly Mtn. She is survived by her partner, Mark Thomas "Flounder" Harris;...

View Christina Aina-Marie Andersen's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

Spring break can be a beautiful time to make memories with the people you love. But while you’re preparing for sunshine and relaxation, it’s also wise to plan for peace of mind.

That’s where Return Assured can help. This service provides protection and support in the unexpected event of a death while traveling—so your family isn’t left navigating difficult logistics during an already emotional time—and you can join in your family's adventures without worry.

Because the best vacations are the ones where you can truly relax, knowing everything is thoughtfully planned.

If you want to learn more, we’d love to connect. Send us a message or give us a call.

03/27/2026

Karen Lynne Smith

Mrs. Karen Lynne Smith, 61, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026. Karen was born April 17, 1964, in East Hampton, New York. Mrs. Smith was raised in Highlands, NC until the 8th grade before moving to live on the family farm in Franklin, NC. She would then spend the remainder of her life in the Cowee Community. Karen worked at Walmart for many years where she managed the shoe and jewelry departments. She was a very artistic person as she...

View Karen Lynne Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.