Elouise Maxine Graves

Elouise Gordon Graves was born April 1, 1922 in Chickasaw County, Mississippi to Lilly Bell and Britt Gordon. She attended Wood Jr. College and taught school until moving to Washington DC during World War II to work. After the war she returned to Houlka, Mississippi and married a life long friend, Carroll Maston (BUCK) Graves. They had two children, Mary Carolyn and Mike.

In 1951, Elouise moved to Jackson with her family and became an active member of Westover Baptist Church serving as pianist and Sunday school teacher for the intermediate department. She was also a leader in the PTA at the local school.

Later she began her career at Union University where she served as assistant to three presidents. For the twenty plus years she worked in that capacity, she considered it a blessing to be a part of the university's staff and treasured the friendships made there.

Following her retirement from Union, Elouise enjoyed traveling with her brothers and sisters-in-law (Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gordon of Chattanooga and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gordon of Collierville), reading and studying the Bible. For many years, she taught a senior adult ladies Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church.

As an accomplished pianist, she used her talent and blessed those who heard her play. For several years, Mrs. Graves would teach her Sunday school class at First Baptist Church and then drive to the Harris Grove Methodist Church to play for their services.

Because of her faith, she approached life with hope and joy and was a shining example for those who knew and loved her.

She leaves behind a daughter, Mary Carolyn and her husband Don McLeary; son, Mike Graves; three grandchildren, Stacy Stidham and husband Scott, Holly Kimbrough and husband Wendell, and her special grandson, Matt McLeary; six great grandchildren, Landry, Nolan and Nash Stidham, Maston, Brandon and Blake Kimbrough; many nieces and nephews who will miss her warmth and humor.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 1, 2010 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons followed by a service in the chapel. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Houlka, Mississippi.

Please send memorials to Hospice of West Tennessee, 664-4220 or Special Olympics.

George A. Smith and Sons

North Chapel

731-427-5555