Garnita Gravot

Garnita Gravot, lovingly devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on May 25, 2026, in Belleville, Illinois. She was born on July 30, 1941, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to John Louis Robbins and Marie Cecelia (Wilkens) Robbins.

Garnita graduated from East St. Louis High School. On June 13, 1959, she married the love of her life and high school sweetheart, Elmer Eugene Gravot. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and unconditional love. She was a lifelong Southern Baptist and a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Paris, Missouri.

Garnita’s greatest joy was caring for and cherishing her family. She devoted herself to raising her three boys to become God-loving men and took immense pride in the family they built together. Summers spent on the farm with her grandchildren brought her endless happiness and created treasured memories that will live on for generations.

She had a special gift for making others feel loved and welcomed. Garnita enjoyed baking and decorating cookies to share with family and friends and especially loved teaching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren the joy of baking alongside her. Her warmth, kindness, gentle spirit, and unwavering love touched all who knew her.

For many years, Garnita also enjoyed working with Friendly Home Parties, where she formed many lasting friendships.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Brightly Assisted Living in Mascoutah, Illinois, for the love, compassion, and exceptional care they provided to Garnita. Their kindness and support brought comfort not only to her, but to the entire family during her time there.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of nearly 67 years, Elmer Eugene Gravot; her three sons and daughters-in-law, Ron and Carice Gravot of Clark, Missouri, Larry and Karen Gravot of O’Fallon, Illinois, and Wayne and Alice Gravot of Summerville, South Carolina; six grandchildren, Lara (Dan) Etling, Lillie (Adam) Halter, Hannah (Matt) Fee, Allen Gravot, Caleb Gravot, and Aidan Gravot; and eight great-grandchildren, Hollis, Amari, Rory, Ryver, Aria, Hallee, Riley, and baby boy Fee. She is also survived by her sister, Frances Haney, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her parents-in-law, Elmer A. and Erna Gravot; her brothers, John Robbins, Wesley Robbins, and Paul (Beverly) Robbins; and her sisters, Leanna (Tom) Jenkins and Joyetta (Fred) Lusardo.

Garnita will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Illinois Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services.

Officiated by Rev. Wesley Hammond of First Baptist Church of Paris MO.