Cynthia Ann "Cindy" Graves

Cynthia Ann “Cindy” Graves, age 62, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her immediate family, on August 11, 2022 after a valiant battle with Multiple Sclerosis for 32.5 years. She was born July 22, 1960 in San Antonio, Texas to R.E. and Marilyn Smith. Spending her formative years in Dallas, attending Baylor University in Waco and beginning a career in the computer sales industry in Austin, Cindy was the kind of person who was focused, purpose driven, and always guided by her Christian faith, values and principles. Those very qualities caught the eye of Chip Graves, and it did not take him long to realize he wanted her to be his bride. Married for 35 years, Cindy and Chip were devoted to one another, raised a beautiful family and shared a wonderful life together in Austin.

Cindy was a dedicated mother and wife first and foremost. She treasured her husband and children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as a grandmother! Just saying her grandson’s name would make her face light up the room! She loved her family well.

Cindy loved to love on her people… family, friends, college roommates, TriDelts, Junior League of Austin, Symphony League, and Austin Baptist Church. Her loving personality made people around her feel important. She was a wonderful role model for many as she would seek ways to love on friends and family even when suffering with MS. She embroidered many gifts using her fancy embroidery machine. For many years, her hands were rarely still and she never missed celebrating important events with handmade gifts. These gifts were all the more special, knowing that with her disease her projects took much time and patience and were truly labors of her love.

For many years, Cindy also volunteered for Regents School of Austin in several capacities. Her favorite and most active role was assisting the Regents library by selling used books and text books online. She served families within the Regents community by taking book donations to sell as a fundraiser for the school and library. Cindy never complained, loving the opportunity to serve her children’s school from her home, since she was unable to volunteer at school functions and activities.

Despite her illness, Cindy was the happiest and most joyful person you would ever know, maintained until the very end. Her life was a living example of James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” Her children and her husband call her blessed (Proverbs 31). God has gained a joy bringer and faithful servant, for she is spiritually alive, spending eternity at her final address.

Cindy is survived by her husband of 35 years, Chip Graves; daughter, Macey Ciment and husband Zachary Ciment; son, Chase Graves; grandson, Barrett Ciment; brother, Alan Smith; niece, Mary Ellen Malone and husband Bobby Malone; and mother, Marilyn Smith. She is predeceased by her father, R.E. Smith.

Cindy’s family would like to honor and give special thanks to Margarita Alvarez for her devotion and care for the last 30+ years.

A visitation for Cynthia will be held Sunday, August 14, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78752. A memorial service will occur Monday, August 15, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Drive, Austin, Texas 78750.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Graves family.