Frances GRAVES

Family-Placed Death Notice

GRAVES, Frances FRANCES BAILEY GRAVES Frances Bailey Graves of Atlanta, Georgia passed away after a courageous battle with cancer and heart failure on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. Frances, known by friends and family as Frannie, was born on September 27, 1941 in Danville, Kentucky to Roberta and John Hill Bailey. She is survived by her husband, William Moore Graves; a daughter, Martha Graves Marriott (Anthony) of Derbyshire, England; a son, William Moore Graves, Jr. (Jen) of Atlanta; four grandchildren; Amelia Frances Constantia Marriott, Felix Theodore Graves, Rosie Georgiana Marriott, and Anna Lyle Graves. Frannie is also survived by her brother, John Hill Bailey III (Sallie) and two nieces, Shelby Bailey Wheliss and Frances Bailey Linley, all from Nashville, TN. Frannie moved to Atlanta in 1959 to attend Agnes Scott College. After graduating from Agnes Scott, Frannie earned her Master's in history from Duke University. Frannie often spoke of her fond memories of teaching history at Dykes High School in Atlanta. She was a natural born teacher, and this was obvious in every leadership role she undertook throughout her life. All who knew and loved her will remember the legacy of Frannie Graves' impact on the city of Atlanta. Frannie and Bill joined Trinity Presbyterian Church in 1973. She served three terms on the session, was on the Board of Trustees at Trinity from 2002-present, was an active member of the Stephen Ministry from 2008-present, and enjoyed her role as a greeter, the pianist for the cherub choir, and Sunday school teacher at her beloved Trinity. Although Frannie graduated from Agnes Scott in 1963, her commitment to the college had only begun. Frannie served on the Board of Trustees from 1992-2004, which she vice-chaired from 1997-2002. She was also the Trustee Co-chair of the College Committee on Faith and Learning from 1993-2000. Frannie was proud to be a member of the Presidential Search Committee that selected Agnes Scott's seventh president, Mary Brown Bullock, in 1994. In 2000-2004 Frannie was the Co-chair of Agnes Scott's capital campaign. In honoring Frannie for her tireless support to the College, she received the Alumnae Association Award for Outstanding Service to the College in 2003. Frannie became active in the local chapter of JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) shortly after her daughter, Martha, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Frannie served on the JDRF board from 1979-1985 and was board president in 1979 and 1980. During the 1980's Frannie and Bill developed an annual roast of prominent Georgians. Frannie and Bill went on to serve JDRF at the international level in numerous capacities. Frannie served on the national Government Relations committee where she was a strong advocate for diabetes research funding and also served on the international Lay Review committee where she helped drive the decisions on JDRF's research funding priorities. In recent years Frannie hosted receptions in her home to educate and inspire others in supporting the mission of JDRF. Frannie's love of music was apparent at a very young age. She became an accomplished pianist, and one of her greatest joys was gathering friends and family members around her piano during the Christmas holidays to sing her favorite carols. Throughout their marriage, one of Frannie and Bill's favorite activities was attending concerts at the Atlanta Symphony. Since 1994 they have been consistent supporters for the Atlanta Symphony, and Frannie served as Co-chair of the Symphony Ball in 1994. She also served on the ASO Board of Directors from 1996-2008 and on the Board of Counselors from 2008-2013. Frannie was also a founding member of the Atlanta chapter of ARCS, Achievement Rewards for College Scientists. Frannie was drawn to this organization due to her personal commitment to enhance scientific research especially in the area of biomedical research and the discovery of a cure for type 1 diabetes. Frannie served as president of ARCS in 1996-1997, and she was awarded the ARCS Light in 1997. The memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 2 at Trinity Presbyterian Church followed by a reception in Williams Hall. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at 3525 Piedmont Rd, NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 and Agnes Scott College at 141 East College Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030. Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.