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Joy McGraw Obituary
Mrs. McGraw, 48, of Huntersville, NC died Sunday, August 8, 2010 at her home. Born July 30, 1962, she was a daughter of Larry G. Earp, Sr. and Carolyn Upton Earp of Charlotte, NC.
Joy was a 25-year veteran of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, serving as Sergeant at the Response Area Command in the University area and D.A.R officer. She loved to knit and was greatly committed to her husband and family and enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors with her husband.
A devoted and loving wife, daughter, sister and friend she leaves to cherish her memory her parents, Larry and Carolyn, loving husband and best friend, Gerald L. McGraw, brother, Gordon Earp and wife Cassandra, sister, Kathleen Gay Earp and fiance, John Ormesher, niece, Kaitlyn Earp, nephew, Morgan Earp, grandfather, Sidney William Earp, father and mother-in-law, Pete and Barbara McGraw, brother and sister-in-law, Johnny and Marsha McGraw and her canine companions and best buddies, Puddin and Remington.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Helen Ellis Earp and maternal grandparents, John Thomas Upton and Lula Cox Upton.
Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 11 at Huntersville ARP Church with Rev. Hugh Foy officiating assisted by retired Major Jackie Maxwell. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Raymer Funeral Home.
The family wishes to express a sincere thank you to Dr. Wendy Brick and her staff of CMC and Dr. English of North Mecklenburg Medical for their excellent care of Joy during her declining health, the church fellowships for keeping her in their thoughts and prayers and the caregivers from Lake Norman Hospice for their kindness, dedication and excellent care.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Lake Norman, 705 Griffith Street, Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036, or the CMPD Benevolence Fund, 601 E. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Arrangements by Raymer Funeral Home, Huntersville, NC.
www.raymerfuneralhome.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joy McGraw
amy stukey
September 4, 2010
It has taken me a long time to write this as Joy was my 2nd mom. I will miss her like no one will ever understand. I am grateful to have been one of her "kids" and to have her in my life. I have never seen her as excited as the day I told her I was pregnant. She so looked forward to being an grandma to my Carter. I know she is in heaven watching over us today. I am blessed to have had her as part of my family and to have her in my life. I know that Carter and I have an angel in heaven watching over us. I know she is not in pain anymore and I am thankful for that. I am so blessed to have her and Gerald as my family. I am forever grateful for their lover and support. I miss her and lover her. She will live on in my heart and through every smile in my daughter's face. I love you, Joy. Thank for for loving us....
Amy Stukey
September 4, 2010
I am so blessed to have been so close to Joy. I have never seen her more excited than was pregnant. She couldn't wait to be a grandma. I am so blessed to call her "mom" and to be able to say that she was a grandma to my baby. Joy and Gerald are the family I did not have here in Charlotte. I will miss her more than anyone will ever know. Gerald, you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am blessed that my "mom" is in heaven looking over me and my sweet Carter. Thank you, Joy, for loving us so much.
Pamela Earp
September 3, 2010
Andra Alexander-Dills
August 23, 2010
Gerald,
It sounds like you had found your soulmate with Joy. I am so glad. You are also a wonderful person and I am so glad she had you to be with her through the end. That is what love and marriage is all about, being there for each other. Take care and know you are thought about. Andra
August 17, 2010
Joy was my wife,my strength,my world my hope my friend my mate and my future. I found out life is very short. I've cherish every good time and bad time. I was blessed to hear her last four heart beats and then the peace that came over us. I know she is at peace and not suffering now and I will hear her heart beat once more when I'm with her. I would like to say thanks to CMPD for everything you were her family and my family. Thanks for all her friends for support and prayer's also all my friends. You never know what you have until it's gone, so thank god for the good and the bad times that you have been given with your spouse. Gerald McGraw
Sweet Angel In Heaven....
Tamara Keeler
August 16, 2010
Joy was a wonderful friend and person. She was a delight to be around, So sorry you had to leave us so soon. You will be truly missed. Now you are the prettiest Angel in Heaven. Hope to see you one day.
Love from The Keeler Family.
August 13, 2010
Gerald,
It was very nice talking to you a week or so ago. I am very sorry we ran into each other for the reason I am writing to you. My prays are with you and your family. My God's Love hold you up and your family.
August 12, 2010
Joy's grandmother was my first cousin. We were so sorry to hear of her demise. God be with the family members left to mourn her.
Jason and Betty Cox Collie (Elon, NC)
Darrell Antley
August 12, 2010
Hi Sarge. I am still stunned, but I know you are in a better place. The BEST place there is! I thank GOD that I had the honor of working with and for you. You are the definition of "good people." Every time I think of you I can't help but smile. Knowing you, Angels are there to welcome you and you're probably fixing THEM cookies! God bless you and thank you Joy. Until we 25 on the other side, Love, DD
Pam Zinkann
August 12, 2010
To the Earp and McGraw families, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Joy and I shared a love for animals and I always looked forward to her emails of animal photos and stories. She will truely be missed for a time, but we will all be reunited with our loved ones and share in eternal life.
Wes Jessup
August 11, 2010
I had the true pleasure of knowing Joy from my first days here with CMPD. She was always interested in what was going on in your life and remembered everything you talked with her about. She was our den mother and looked out for us as a mother would for her own children. I know I have been blessed to know and work with Joy. She is a true light from God and I look forward to talking with her again someday.
Dan Phillips
August 11, 2010
Joy thank you for making me feel welcome when I came to University Division. You were a fine example to us all.
Pamela Earp
August 11, 2010
Gerald I just found out today of Joy's passing. I am so sorry. I have been praying for her for over a year and half since I found out about the cancer. Of all the memories I have of Joy LOL JST~ Joy standard time ...always 30-45 mins late to family gatherings or the Christmas show. The one that now I charish is the couple days I taught her to knit. I never gave it a second thought. She went on to become 10 times better than I ever will be. She told me how much it ment to her for me to take the time and share my talent with her. As I told her I was the one honored to teach her since she never seemed to not know how to do any craft.
You and Larry & Caroline will be in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for comfort and the arms of God to hold you during this mourning time.
Beth Whitehead Wallin
August 11, 2010
Joy attended Valleydale with me from 4th grade-10th grade. She was a sweet, kind, caring person while we were in school, and after seeing and speaking with some of the friends she made over the past 32 years, it was clear that Joy's caring ways only grew and blossomed throughout her lifetime. Love and prayers go out to her family, friends and fellow police officers.
john D
August 11, 2010
Joy was easily one of the most pleasant and sweetest souls I have ever come across. In terms of being a light to others, she certainly made the most of her life. May peace and comfort come to all of her family and friends in the days ahead. God bless.
A. Hunter
August 11, 2010
I am very sorry to hear of Joy's passing. She was a wonderful person and always had a smile. A truly sweet person. My sympathy goes to all the family.
Nan Pierce
August 11, 2010
As often as we'd sit and talk about our "babies", I hope this feller was there to greet you at the gates!! I will miss you my dear friend.
Natalie Earnhardt
August 11, 2010
Gerald, McGraws, and Earps,
I remember the first time Gerald brought Joy to visit us at home on Stumptown Rd, over 20 years ago. They always made my brothers and I feel so special and treated us like we were their own. They even visited us every Christmas Day. Joy's presence radiated selflessness, comfort, kindness, love, and peace. When you think of your loss, can you imagine Joy and God looking down and sending those feelings to you? My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Chuck Johnson
August 11, 2010
Gerald and Family:
I worked with Joy when she was the District Investigator in C-1. As the Captain, I relied on Joy for many tasks beyond just investigating cases. She was alway pleasant, honest, caring and reliable. She definitely lived up to her name as she was a joy to work with. I hope you find peace and comfort in knowing how many lives Joy touched and how much she was appreciated by all who knew her.
Rob Garrett
August 11, 2010
Joy was a good person, officer, and friend. We will all miss her.
Karen Harris
August 11, 2010
Gerald and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will miss Joy's radiant smile, seeing her knitting projects, and our giggles about our family stories while working off duty together. She was one of a kind, a "gold ole girl" and I think we are all better for knowing her. Never forget that you are part of the "police family".
Mandy Giannini
August 11, 2010
To the Earp and McGraw Families, Each time I saw Joy, she was always smiling. She smiled even when I knew that she was in physical pain. Please know that she is no longer in pain and is smiling down on us as an Angel. Bless you and your family! Joy will truly be missed.
Mandy Giannini
August 11, 2010
To the Earp and McGraw Families, Joy will truly be missed. Each and every time I saw Joy, she was smiling. She smiled even though I knew that she was in physical pain. Please know that she is now free from pain and is smiling down on us as an Angel.
Cynthia Johnson
August 11, 2010
Gerald and Family may God continue to be with you during this difficult time.
Joy had such a beautiful spirit. She surely lived up to her name and also added alot of joy to the lives of those that surrounded her. I worked with Joy for many years and she often uplifted me with kind and encouraging words. Joy I hope that we here at CMPD can carry on your memory by being caring and loving people.
Rest in Peace RAC J. Mcgraw.
Teresa Huey
August 11, 2010
Joy was there for me when it seemed there was no one else. I will miss her and I know she is resting peacefully. God bless you Gerald.
PKP
August 11, 2010
Joy will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Have comfort in knowing that Joy is watching over us from the most beautiful place that exists.
Abby Banner
August 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with Joy's family during this time. May God bless them all.
August 11, 2010
It was an honor and a pleasure to work with Joy and she will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Paula Shipley
CMPD
Matt Thompson
August 11, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ricky Martin
August 11, 2010
I worked with Joy for a good many years. She was a sweet and caring Lady. She will be missed by all who had the opportunity to be near her. God Bless her family. She will now sit at the right hand of God. I will miss her.
Andrew Kraeger
August 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Joy was a wonderful person, and will be missed. God bless!
Charles Artis
August 10, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Joy was such a sweet and loving person and she will be missed. God Bless.
Patty Amos
August 10, 2010
May God Bless you all. Joy will be greatly missed by many of us. We all thank her for her many dedicated years of service to CMPD as well as all of her family. May God give you all the strength to get through this time in your life. God Bless You All, Patty Amos -CMPD
August 10, 2010
May God wrap his strong arms around you and let you know that she is with him now, looking down on all her loved ones. Our prayers and love are with you, Trena and Ed Cadenhead
Mr. & Mrs. Randel Myhand
August 10, 2010
Mr. Gerald and Family, I had the pleasure of working with Joy, she was a wonderful individual and will be greatly missed. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Chuck Henson
August 10, 2010
CMPD has lost a great person. Gerald my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michael Suddreth
August 10, 2010
Where do you start…. Joy was such a great inspiration to us all. She is one who brightens the room as she enters and turns something that is not going well into a positive. So many words can be spoken of such a special person. Through my many years knowing Joy she had made me a great person and has always helped me when I needed. She also gave good advice to others including myself. Joy is a bright star in the sky now and she will be greatly missed by many who loved her including me…. Joy has a bigger task now and it is a great one… She is looking over all of us and keeping us safe. This is not the end it is a new beginning for her. I miss you and I know you will always be there watches us.
Keith and Dana Lewis
August 10, 2010
Gerald McGraw and the entire Earp Family...I have known you all for several years and wish to extend my deepest sympathy to you all. I remember the days that Joy would speak of you Gerald. It took a long time to find her true love but it was well worth it….She truly loves you...she often spoke of the fun she had with the house…. the Dogs (her babies)…. and hunting. She looked forward to spending time with her family….she counted down the days until the Christmas show….she would express how she felt about the times with her mother, sister and aunts looking for the right Christmas gifts and collectibles. I can recall the days she worked with D.A.R.E…. she loved teaching others….We all looked forward to the new recipes she was trying…. She always brought whatever she made into the office to share…..she had a passion for knitting and was always looking for a new pattern or yarn to make a new hat or scarf. I am going to miss those old days…I know Joy is in a better place…No pain or suffering…Continue to smile down on all of us Joy…We will see you when the time is right!
Joe Miner
August 10, 2010
Joy treated us all like her children and showed us how much she cared for us everyday. Likewise, I thought of her like a mother. She was a great lady and the world is at a great loss without her. I know she is in a better place in Heaven. I personally will miss her a lot and am a better person for having known, worked for and befriended her. I am praying for her extended family and friends. I will miss you Joy. Love, Joe Miner
August 10, 2010
I had the pleasure being Joy's Supervisor years ago. She was such a pleasure to be around and always willing to do whatever she could to help anyone. She will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you. God Bless. Vicki Foster
August 10, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Joy was such a sweet person and she will be missed. She is now an angel watching over us and protecting us.
Greg and Evonne Galloway
CMPD
August 10, 2010
Gerald, Kathleen and I send our heart felt condolences to you and to all the family, we never got to have the pleasure of meeting Joy, but we know she was a wonderful wife, and friend to all. may the lord be with you each and every day, as you began the healing process. God Bless. Ronnie and Kathleen Ferrell.
Terry Davis, Jr
August 10, 2010
Gerald and family just to let you know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Joy will be missed by all.
Marie Cassis
August 10, 2010
We have had the pleasure of working with Joy for many years at the TRI Latta Triathlon. She lived up to her name because she brought Joy and light to everyone around her. We are truly blessed to have met her and it was a true honor to have her work our event. Latta was not the same this year without her.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to her family and her CMPD family. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. She will be truly missed.
Sincerely,
Event Marketing Services and Run For Your Life Family
August 10, 2010
Bill and I both had the pleasure of working with Joy, and are thankful we had the opportunity to know her not only as a coworker but as a friend. She was a beautiful person and will be missed.
Gerald, our prayers are with you and your family.
Carol and Bill Owens
Serita Wright
August 10, 2010
Mr. Gerald and family, Joy will be missed greatly by all but know that she will always remain in our memories and our hearts.
J.D. Williams
August 10, 2010
From the first day I graduated the academy I recall Joy’s nurturing spirit. God places people where he feels they will better serve others, and you did your job well as you nurtured both the members of the department and the community. You are missed….
John Locklear
August 10, 2010
Joy, thank you for being the person I knew you to be. Honest, sincere and very carrying. There was never a doubt in my mind that you were a very special person to this department and I thoroughly enjoyed the 5-6 years that I worked with you in Charlie-1. Right now I know, without a doubt, you’re up there watching down on us and making sure we are all safe. God has a special person with him now. I pray for your family during the difficult times and ask god to watch over them. You will be missed by us all, but I know you are in a better place.
Scott Reece
August 10, 2010
Joy was a sweet kind person. She is missed and will always be a part of this police department.
Jim Wilson
August 10, 2010
Joy will be truly missed; my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Andra Dills
August 9, 2010
Gerald, I am so sorry for your loss. It's been a long time since I've seen you or Joy and I only recently found out she was sick.I can't imagine what you are going through. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Andra Alexander Dills
John Hurlocker
August 9, 2010
The finest people are taken away from us to early. Joy’s kindness, compassion and humanity will be greatly missed. Gerald and family, I am very sorry for your loss.
Matt Blaich
August 9, 2010
To Gerald and all of Joy's family, I had the pleasure of working for Joy in the University City Division of CMPD. It was a great time and we had many laughs. Joy always took care of her troops. I will miss her smile and how she talked about how much she loved her husband, dogs and knitting.
Bob Phelps
August 9, 2010
There are a number of officers who will remember Joy's mother-like qualities, particularly as they were just beginning their careers. Joy was always willing to give practicable advice, steer one in the right direction, and offer positive words of encouragement. These qualities proved even more valuable to those who worked for her or with her after she was promoted, as Joy took tremendous pride in those under her command.
August 9, 2010
Gerald, we are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We love you! Billy and Debbie
Jo Poston-Marks
August 9, 2010
Joy was truly the kindest person I ever met, and that's been since we were 10. She will be missed and the world will be a little darker while heaven will brighten. Love you Joy! Carolyn and Larry, I love you guys and please let me know if I can help you with anything. Gordon...I'm very sorry Moose! I love you big guy! Jo
Cathy Eudy
August 9, 2010
To Gerald and all of Joy's family: Joy was a hoot to work with and always took care of her troops. She loved Starbucks and good Maxine jokes and of course her family & two dogs. It's been a long year without her and I miss her very much. May the Lord bless you and keep you and bring comfort, peace and yes...joy as only He can.
August 9, 2010
Joy lived up to her name. She always had a smile on her face. She was a loving and giving lady that will be missed by all who knew her. I enjoyed so much our time knitting and shopping together. My heart goes out to Gerald and the family. Gerald you took tremendous care of her and the love you two had for each other will always be with you. Love you Joy and I will miss you. Frenda
Melanie Cooper
August 9, 2010
I used to work with Joy at Eckerd Optical in Freedom Mall. We had many fun times. Joy was given a perfect name because she always brought it with her. I am so sorry to hear about her death.
Ross Stutts
August 9, 2010
First of all my wife, Sarah, and I wish our sincerest condolences for your the loss. I worked with Joy at CMPD but unfortunately for me we never worked in the same district. But I knew her in passing and always thought she was such a nice person. That says a lot for a police officer as most become somewhat cynical and sometimes have a sour outlook. That was NOT Joy. Each time our paths crossed she seemed to be very outgoing and friendly. She will be missed at the police department and will leave a hole in it's ranks.
CAROL NEWTON
August 9, 2010
I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF JOY'S PASSING. I WORKED WITH HER FOR MANY YEARS AT THE CHARLOTTE COLISEUM, INDEPENDENCE ARENA, AND BOBCAT ARENA IN THE MONEY ROOMS. SHE WAS A FINE PERSON AND WILL TRULY BE MISSED. MY SYMPATHY GOES TO ALL THE FAMILY.
RICHARD & SHELIA SCERCY
August 9, 2010
JOY WAS A WONDERFL PESON, AND SHE WILL BE MISSED. OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS ARE WITH HER FAMILY.
Dave Johnson
August 9, 2010
RIP Sarge. Your shift may be over, but you'll never be forgotten. DJ
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