Jean Ann Graves

Beckley – Jean Ann Graves, 86, of Beckley, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2014, at Bowers Hospice House after a long illness. Born January 18, 1928 in Beckley, Jean was the daughter of the late Peyton and Alma Fleshman Graves. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1946 and from West Virginia University in 1950. She then moved to New Orleans, LA to attend Tulane University where she completed her Master’s degree in Social Work in 1952. Throughout her career, Jean was committed to helping those in need. In the 1950’s she worked as a social worker in New Orleans. She returned to West Virginia in the early 1960’s where she served in numerous senior-level roles for the WV Department of Social Services in Charleston. Jean retired from the State of West Virginia in 1988. An eternal free spirit, Jean traveled the world with many friends over the years, loved working in her flower gardens and was the best daughter, sister and aunt anyone could ever have – setting an unquestionable example for being independent, creative and responsible in the service of others. In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her sister, Marjorie Graves Hutchison and brother, William P Graves. She is survived by her brother, Robert Graves of Beckley; niece, Jenny Graves of Richmond, VA; niece, Karen Graves Portnoy of Columbia, SC; nephew, Bob Howery of Hickory, NC; and nephew, Steven Graves of Kingsport, TN. The family will hold a private memorial service and interment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Southern WV. Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive Beckley is assisting the family.