Bessie Ryce Graves

Bessie Marie Ryce Graves died May 29, 2012 in Leonardtown, Maryland at the age of 99. Born on November 29, 1912 in New Port, Maryland to Samuel and Mary Della Ryce. She married James Edwin Graves and had 9 children. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years and six children, Alvin L. Graves, Lorraine Graves Millbrook, John E. Graves, Vernon R. Graves, James W. Graves, and Doris Graves Williams. She is survived by three daughters, Mary Graves Still, Patricia Graves Lorence and Sandra Graves Lawson, 23 grandchildren, and many great and great-great-grandchildren. Bessie was a devoted mother, who didn't complain, just got up every day and did what she needed to do to take care of her family. She was also devoted to her Catholic faith throughout her adult life. In her 50's she learned to drive and received her driver's license, something she treasured to her 90th year. She was a woman who loved to travel, play bingo and cards, an avid reader, worked many cross-word puzzles, and word puzzles, insisting these activities kept a person's mind in great working order. She was right. Many people commented that "her mind is great." Due to working on the family farm, she was unable to continue school past the 8th. grade. Her lack of a Maryland high school diploma concerned her, so she obtained a Maryland GED degree in December 1983 at the age of 71. Bessie was an active member in the White Plains Moose Club for many years and a member of the Veterans' of Foreign War club, Waldorf Elks, and the American Legion. Bessie was active in her neighborhood watch program and worked tirelessly to raise funds for many charities for her community. She was a worker for the Senior Companion Program for many years and worked at the Charles County nursing facility, In 1997, she was presented a plaque for "20 years of Support, Dedication, and Commitment as a Member of the Senior Companion Program Advisory Counsel." She also did volunteer work for the Charles County Unit of the American Cancer Society, winning "Unit Volunteer of the Year." For many years she worked the voting polls in Charles County, In 1995, she was recognized by the Maryland Jaycees and presented "The Nineteenth Annual Outstanding Senior Citizen Award." Bessie had a great deal of determination, leaving a legacy to get up every day, do the best you can, complain little, and live your life. Family will receive friends on Monday, June 4, 2012 from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 pm at The Huntt Funeral Home, 3035 Old Washington Road, Waldorf, Maryland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in LaPlata, Maryland at 10:00 am. Burial will be at Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, Maryland.