Frances LaVane Graves, known to her family and many others as “Meema” passed away peacefully at home on May 15, 2024. She was born on April 2, 1927 in Sycamore, Georgia as the next to the oldest daughter of four girls born to the late Otis and Dessie Lee Howard.
LaVane graduated from Tift College in Forsyth, GA with a Batchelor of Arts in Education. Later, she met her husband, William “Bill” A. Graves, III and in June, 1947, they were married.
LaVane was a loving and supportive wife to Bill who preceded her in death as well as their oldest son, William (“Rusty”) A. Graves, IV. She will be forever remembered by her daughter in law, Sandra Chappelear-Graves and her three children, Mike (Gloria) Graves of St. Augustine, FL, Harry (Patti) Graves of Lizella, GA and Lauri (Joe) Sledge of Macon, GA as well as her eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Henry Williams and several nieces and nephews.
LaVane was a former teacher in the Bibb County School System and for most of her career taught 2nd and 3rd grade at Jesse Rice Elementary School. She retired from teaching in 1987 and began a wonderful new career as “Meema” to her eight grandchildren. She attended Lizella Baptist Church where she was an active member of her Sunday School Class and other ministries until her health began to decline.
LaVane enjoyed homemaking, reading novels, crossword puzzles and traveling to see her extended family throughout Georgia. She was especially proud of her four children and their accomplishments in life and she never failed to tell each one of them how very much she loved them.
The family will greet friends at Lizella Baptist Church on Sunday, May 19th, at 2:00 p.m. with a celebration of her life to be held at 3:00 p.m. at the church with Reverend Chris Minton officiating. She will be laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens immediately thereafter. Donations can be made to Lizella Gideons at P.O. Box 28665, Lizella, GA 31022 or to Lizella Baptist Church, 2950 S. Lizella Road, Lizella, Ga 31052.
Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express condolences.
Snow’s Memorial Chapel at Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
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