IN THE CARE OF

Brentwood-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home

OBITUARY

Eileen Gonce GRAVES

March 26, 1935 – January 17, 2021

Eileen Gonce Graves, aged 85 of Old Hickory, TN, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2021. She was born on March 26, 1935 in Nashville, TN.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Henry Graves, her parents, Virgil Wilson and Estelle Moore Gonce and brother, Virgil Randolph Gonce.

Eileen is survived by her son, Richard Wilson Graves (Connie), two grandchildren, Patricia Eileen Lyle (Chase) and Richard Henry Graves II (Kayla), her sister, Gail Chickey (Bob) and several nieces and nephews. She had three great grandchildren: Ella Kate Graves, Thomas Edward Lyle II and Anna Ruth Graves. She was loved by many who knew her, especially those who regarded themselves as her extended family.

Mrs. Graves attended Cohn High School in Nashville. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Peabody College as well as a Master’s degree from Tennessee State University. She taught and coached countless children throughout her career that included: physical education, health, art, home economics, basketball, track, tennis and volleyball before retiring from Dupont High School in 1987. She was one of the first to organize a high school dance team at Glencliff High School.

She enjoyed many hobbies and was a member of several organizations and clubs in Nashville. Most notably she enjoyed golf, decorating, painting, and teaching water aerobics. She often traveled with her sister, Gail. They saw Broadway plays in New York, toured through Europe and took beach trips to Florida; she loved it all. Eileen was a proud member of the Golden Girls, Old Hickory Country Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution. She found joy in living on the lake, where she and Richard moved in 1973. A life well lived and loved.

The family would like to thank Adoration Hospice for the care Eileen received over the past year up to her passing. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Susan Floyd, a former student, will officiate a graveside service for family Saturday, January 30, 2021 at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204.

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Eileen Gonce GRAVES

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Kay (Elliott) Victory

February 22, 2021

I had mrs. Graves at Ghs in the mid 60's..for P.E...she could make running around the football field or doing push-ups seem like fun...always ha ve remembered her fondly..RIP Kay Elliott victory

Eileen Stewart

February 22, 2021

Mrs .Graves was my teacher,at Dupont High School.She was a great teacher.

Nancy Bargatze Capps

February 21, 2021

I have fond memories of Mrs. Graves from Glencliff High School gym class. RIP
Nancy Bargatze Capps

Kathie Jill Lucas

February 20, 2021

I remember having Mrs. Graves in gym class in the mid 1960's. I always liked and respected her. RIP, Mrs. Graves.

Mary Jo Franklin

February 20, 2021

I was the first drill team, she was a great teacher , I had her in class also, very kind person

Beverly Henderson

February 19, 2021

I was never blessed to have a class with Ms. Graves but, that never kept her from showing all the Dupont students care. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Prayers for comfort and peace for her family and friends during this difficult time.

Tracey Roberts