Nell Hilbun Graves

Nell Hilbun Graves was born the youngest child of Henry and Jennie Smith Hilbun. She grew up in Southern Georgia to a farming family. Henry died when she was young. He was a determined man who instilled a fierce desire for his children to get a good education. Nell was an excellent student who graduated high school at 16.

Post war Jacksonville was a perfect environment to offer opportunities for Nell. This meant she was to meet her future husband, Joel. They were married in April, 1947. Her oldest, Stanley was born in 1948, Diane came along in 1953. Further education was put on hold until she successfully raised her children. In the mid 60’s she began her pursuit of a college degree. Nell would complete her undergraduate degree by 1977. She went on to get her Masters in Library Science in 1985. Her love of learning was exhibited in her profession as a Children’s Librarian. After retirement she was Librarian at Brookview Elementary for ten years. Her library work continued after her next retirement at FSCJ where she served for a number of years until she was needed to care for an elderly aunt. Her passions were easily seen in where her efforts went. She loved her family. She loved her church. Nell served for many years as a preschool Sunday School teacher. She cared deeply for people and always wanted to know about the families of those whom she came in contact. Reading was also a passion. The books she read would fill a library. Sharing her passion for books has changed the world for the young minds she challenged. She never stopped learning.

A visitation will be at held at noon Friday, August 26, 2022 at Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene, 1249 Girvin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1: 00 p.m. at the church. A graveside service will follow at Chapel Hills Memory Gardens, 850 St. Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville Florida 32225 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene.

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