Bettie Naomi Graves

Bettie Naomi (Eby) Graves was born on November 16, 1931 in Miami, Florida and shortly afterward moved with her family to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bettie attended Trevecca Nazarene High School in Nashville, Tennessee, where she met the love of her life, Harold B. Graves. They were married on December 30, 1949.

Bettie and Harold celebrated 70 years of marriage in December 2019. They had a wonderful partnership in marriage and ministry. Bettie served alongside her husband for over 50 years in ministry. She served for 30 years as President of Nazarene Missions International on two districts. She also led various ministries to women and many church related committees during her 50 years in active ministry. Bettie and Harold pastored churches in Waverly, Gallatin, Nashville and Clarksville on the Tennessee District They served the Glen Park Church of the Nazarene in Gary, Indiana on the Northwest Indiana District and Springdale Church of the Nazarene on the Southwestern Ohio District. Following successful ministries in the local church they served as Superintendent of the San Antonio District and the Southwestern Ohio District.

Bettie played an important role throughout their ministry partnership. She exemplified a servant heart ministering, entertaining, and mentoring women wherever God led them. Bettie had a gift of hospitality. She enjoyed entertaining, cooking, playing table games and being with people. There was always room at her table for one more. Bettie was generous with her time and resources. She ministered to people through prayer and presence. You could count on her to be wherever Jesus needed her to be. She loved Jesus and she loved people. Many friends from every corner of the world loved and respected her.

After retirement in 1998, Bettie and Harold moved to Georgetown, Texas to be closer to their younger three children. She continued to serve her church for many years as Harold served as Minister to Senior Adults at the Church of the Nazarene in Georgetown, Texas.

Bettie’s greatest accomplishment was raising five children who still love and serve Jesus! She will live on through the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was blessed to have lived close to all her grandchildren at different stages in their lives. She was a loving grandmother praying for each of her grandchildren daily.

Bettie is survived by her children, Rev. Dr. Harold B. Graves Jr. (Cheryl) Spring Hill, Kansas, Rev. Dr. David Graves (Sharon), of Olathe, Kansas, Brenda Graves Johnson (Chip), Cheri Graves Alderman (Tod), Ty Graves (Rebecca) all of Georgetown, Texas. Fourteen grandchildren and their spouses as well as thirty-one great-grandchildren. Bettie loved her adoptive children, Millie Segura, Crystal Gurry, and Rev. Don and Jan Boesel

Bettie is preceded in death by her parents, Titus J. Eby and Julia Mae (Brinson) Eby, her brother, Glen Eby, sisters, Dorothy Eby, and Juanita Eby Croft and her husband Harold B. Graves.

The family would like to thank The Help Givers who assisted caring for Bettie while she lived with Cheri & Tod. They would also like to thank Wesleyan Hospice for their care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of the Nazarene World Missions, send to Global Treasury Services, PO Box 843116, Kansas City, Mo 64184-3116

Visitation will be Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home at 14501 North Interstate 35, Pflugerville, Texas. Funeral Service will be Sunday, February 26, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. at Georgetown Church of the Nazarene in Georgetown, Texas. A Graveside Service will be held 9:00 a.m., Monday, February 27, 2023 at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195 Killeen, Texas 76542.

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