Madeline “Matt” Pugh Grant

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Madeline “Matt” Pugh Grant passed away on Jan. 29, 2026, at the age of 82.

Matt was born in the Mississippi Delta in Spanish Fort, on May 15, 1943, the daughter of Ernest Edward Pugh and Willie Elodis “Bill” Dedmon Pugh. She was raised in a Christian home and led all of her children to Christ. She taught Sunday School for most of her life and led many children to Christ. She loved watching parades, pageants and football with her daughter and granddaughters.

She loved watching her sons build cars and followed NHRA racing with them. She loved having her children’s friends consider her home a safe place with many referring to her as Aunt Matt up until the end. She retired from Waterways Experiment Station after 25 years of service and retired again from Superior Mini Storage in Nevada. She and her husband had many adventures traveling the country in their RV. She loved Blue Plate Mayonnaise so much that she had it shipped to her in Oregon. She was a true walking miracle, having had many brushes with death. She split the last 36 years between Reno, Oregon and Vicksburg. She came home for Christmas and remained here until her passing, surrounded by her loving husband, children and grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her mother Miss Bill Pugh, father Ernest Pugh and stepmother Dorothy Pugh; brother Rickey Edward Pugh, grandson Kelly Bufkin, father-in-law Al Grant, Sr., and mother-in-law Elinor Field Grant, sister-in-law Mildred Sadler Pugh, brothers-in-law Jimmy Bailey, Tommy Jeffers, Douglas Brown and Eddie Guy Shiers.

She is survived by her husband Ken Grant of 36 years, sons Alan Cheney (Debbie) and Jason Cheney (Michelle), daughter Charla Bufkin (Robert), brothers and sisters Kimble Pugh, Leonard “Bubba” Pugh (Delores), Lovie Bailey, Faye Jeffers, Mary Brown, Debbie Shiers, Leon Pugh (Samantha) and Kenny Pugh (Kathy), grandchildren Robby Bufkin, Carol Bufkin and Alayn Bufkin, granddaughter-in-law Katie Bufkin, sister-in-law Lucille Sessions and brothers-in-law Don Efken, Phil Grant (Debbie) and Bob Grant (Pat).

Memorials may be made in memory of Madeline to Jacobs Ladder, Rankin County Animal Shelter or Camp M here.

Memorial service to be held at later date.