Mrs. Mary Alice Graves Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mary Alice (Pearce) Graves was born April 30, 1943 in Humboldt, TN. She was the fourth child born to the late Willie Lee Pearce and Mary Wade Pearce. She departed this life on September 1, 2020. She accepted Christ at an early age at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church. She was a faithful member and servant of the choir, and she served in many capacities until her death. She graduated in 1961 from Carver High School where she furthered her education at Tennessee A&I. Thereafter, she discovered a passion for cosmetology. Her passion for cosmetology led her to Eddings Beauty School where she earned her cosmetology license. She worked for many years at the Milan Arsenal. She served many years at John S. Wilder Youth Development Center in Somerville, TN, where she retired after 38 years of service. She served faithfully as Vice-President, Palimentian and served on the Board Of Directors of The Pilgrim Rest Community in Stanton (Koko), TN, a member of the Tennessee State Employee Association, the Haywood County Democratic Women’s Association, NAACP and she also took part of the Civil Rights Movement the March On Washington She met the love of her life and married William A. Graves on September 9, 1972. From this union, two children were born and one adopted child raised as his own. She enjoyed fellowshipping with people, gardening, and cosmetology. She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Graves; grandson: Justavon Young; two brothers: Willie Cecil Pearce, Jimmy Lee Pearce and one sister, Margaret Pearce; son-in-law James Matthewis and step-father: Orange Short. She leaves to cherish her memory: three daughters: Sundra Matthewis, Brenda (Billy II) Walker and Laronda Graves; two step-daughters: Betty Joyce Graves and Annice Graves; step-brother: Roosevelt (Norvell) Short; one half-sister, Jennes (Elvis) Phelps; seven grandchildren: Latonya, Macylin, LeJerica, Jerwin, Bethany, Ivory, Billy III.; three great-grandchildren: Omari, Lanicia and Raina; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mrs. Mary Alice Graves

April 30, 1943 - September 1, 2020