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Ernest GRAVES Obituary
News Death Notice
GRAVES, Rev. Dr. Ernest Eugene entered the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, November 27, 2013. Born October 7, 1947, in Dayton, Ohio to Samuel and Lottie Graves, he was a graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar class of 1965. He was Pastor of The Tabernacle Baptist Church, and previously served as Chaplain at The Dayton Correctional Institution and The Children's Medical Center. Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, uncle, Frank (Annie Mae) Whitfield, and brother-in-law, Frederick C. Reynolds. His memory will be cherished by his wife, Debra; daughters, Andrea (Jarvis) Sheffield (TN); Tasha (Douglas) Ward (GA); son, Jeffery (Lillian) Howard; grandchildren, Douglas James "DJ" Ward, Emory Jaden Ward, Taylor Sheffield, and Olivia Howard; in-laws, Mabel (Samuel) Waters and Gosie E. Reynolds; sisters and brothers-in-law, Regina (Daniel) Williams, Ronald Reynolds, Rhonda Reynolds, and David (Katherine) Reynolds; cousins, Alfred (Yvonne) Ector, Ann (Allen) Payne, Carol Munday, and Brenda White; and a host of other relatives and friends. Services 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 380 S. Broadway St. Eulogy by The Rev. Dr. Otha Gilyard of Shiloh Baptist Church, Columbus, OH. Viewing 9 A.M. until time of services. The family will receive friends 10-11 A.M. Interment Woodland Cemetery. HHRoberts.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Ernest GRAVES
Peter Ward
November 25, 2022
Dr. Earnest Graves was my older brother in the ministry of our Lord. He along with our father in the ministry, Pastor Thompson, D.Min were together examples of godly men.
Peter Ward, D.Min
Peter L Ward
November 25, 2021
Peter L Ward
November 25, 2021
Peter L Ward
November 25, 2021
Peter L Ward
November 25, 2021
Peter L Ward
November 25, 2021
I had the privilege to hear him preach on Mother's Day and to break bread the day after.
Shellie Anderson
November 25, 2019
Ernest will never be forgotten . A very dear friend. An honest man. Devoted to those in which he embraced . Cant believe it has been 6 years.
Timothy Bulger
November 24, 2017
I just learned of Docs passing as I was searching for his phone number on the internet. I dont possess the words to describe how extraordinary he was. He was like a second father to me. He inspired me to change my life. To become a stronger and better person. Doc taught me to trust in God and in turn people around me. I am forever changed because of our meeting and ensuing friendship. I was an inmate at DCI 30 years ago. I know his passing is tragic to everyone who knew him.
Sturgis Wade
December 13, 2013
Ernie (we called his name like this as we grew up together) will always remain in my heart and mind as a friend. We shared much time together while in high school and when I returned from military service. Memories of Ernie and neighborhood friends i.e., Robert Turner, Robert Brown, Irvin Smith and I just growing up together will be cherished. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. Ernie will be missed by all who knew him.
Susan Brown-Abdul
December 9, 2013
So sad to hear that such a loving person is no longer hear to share his wisdom. I fondly remember being a you child visiting with my Aunt Lottie and he would play with me. My mother Brenda White and the rest of our family feel with you this pain and wish to extend our love, hugs and prayers to the family.
December 5, 2013
Debbie...may God continue to keep and strengthen you. We pray our Lord will comfort you and your family in your time of need. John & Marla Bynum
Lawrence O'Neal
December 5, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cledy Smith-Johnson
December 4, 2013
I met Ernie when he lived on Dearborn and i helped my brother carry his paper route. Ernie & my brother Irvin became lifelong friends, therefore making him one of my big brothers along with jimmy, Robert T, Robert B, Jerome and many others. He was always respectful and kind first to a little sister that tagged along well into adulthood when our paths would occassionally crossed. Ernie always made me proud to call him "Big Brother" You were truly loved and will be truly lovingly missed. Sleep well my big brother.
Josef Richardson
December 3, 2013
Pastor Graves was a great man of God for whom I had a great deal of love and respect. May God bless and keep your family.
Denise Hayes Scott
December 3, 2013
To Debbie, The Graves and Tabernacle family, our hearts are indeed heavy in hearing the passing of our beloved Ernie. He was such a friend to our family. We will miss him dearly. Please call if you need us in any way. The (Octavia) Hayes family. Love and Peace.
Dianne Waters
December 3, 2013
Debbie... my prayers and deepest sympathy to you and your family. Although I could not be there today you are deeply in my heart.
Lawrence Dunson and Marjorie Causey
December 3, 2013
To: Mrs. Debra Graves and family,
These words of deepest sympathy are sent with the hope that, as time goes by, cherished memories will help bring you inner peace, and make your loved one seem still very close to you. But, please know that many caring thoughts are with you during this time of sorrow.
December 3, 2013
To the family of Rev. Dr. Ernest Graves,
Chaplain Graves as I knew him, will be remembered as a serene, always smiling, good hearted individual. As his Warden, I found him to be most reliable and an honorably confidential individual. I will miss him and want to take this time to bless his family and know that my prayers are with each of you.
Curtis E. Wingard
Jacky Reynolds
December 3, 2013
Debbie, although I could not be there today, please know that my heart and prayers are with you, Tasha & Nikki at this most difficult time. We all know that Ernie is in a better place free from pain, with his Heavenly father. I will always remember the love and kindness that you and Ernie showed me as a sister-in-law. In my heart we will always be family and I love you.
Charlene Stevens
December 3, 2013
Sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. Please know that you will remain in my prayers and your belief in our Saviour will carry you through this.
Gail Lash
December 3, 2013
Dear Debra,
My condolences and prayers go out to you and your family at the loss of your loved one.
God Bless You
Gail Lash
December 3, 2013
Debbie,we were so sorry to hear about Ernie's passing. May God continue to keep you in his arms.
Dale, Cathy(Collier)SMITH
December 3, 2013
Debbie, I am so sorry to hear about Ernie, may God continue to keep you in his arms.
Cathy (Collier) Smith
Ashton Allen
December 3, 2013
To the family of Rev.Graves,
May God strengthen,comfort, and give you peace during this most difficult time. Chap was loved by many as blessed many with his caring,compassionate, and encouraging ways. Certainly he will be missed.
Sincerely,
Pastor Ashton Allen and The Historical Mt. Carmel Baptist Church family of Cincinnati, OH
Jackson&SmithFamily
December 3, 2013
There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories.
Brenda Cochran
December 3, 2013
What a blessing for me to have had the opportunity to interview Rev. Graves. I admired him a great deal.
My condolences to his family.
Brenda Cochran
December 2, 2013
I deeply admired Rev. Graves and was blessed to have interviewed him last year. My condolences to his family.
Wilbur & Ella Mobley
December 2, 2013
To Debra and Family, We are deeply sadden to hear of your lost. We pray that God will give to all of you, that Quiet Peace to hold on. Trust God and still thank him, because his KNOWS!
December 2, 2013
Pastor Graves was a wonderful and caring person. We will always remember him as a very kind and soft spoken person. Our prayers go out to Debra and the children. May God comfort you. Curtis and Celestine Johnson & Family.
Rick & Linda Hasty
December 2, 2013
What a great brother, Ernie was before my class, but we knew each other as Beta Brother's. Debbie and Family, now he can watch over all of us from above.
Pauletta Hayes Brown
December 2, 2013
To Debbie and my Tabernacle Family,
God has seen fit in His time to take His son, Ernie home. We have had so many, many good times and can cherish all of our memories. May God continue to hold you as only He can. To God Be the Glory for the things He has done!!!
Fred Cramer
December 2, 2013
Ernie was a great man and friend of mine from the days at Wright State. We played basketball and partied together. He could light up a room. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family. thoughts are
December 2, 2013
Ernie was a wonderful friend and Fraternity Brother. I am very regretful that we lost contact after graduating from WSU. He was a great basketball and football player who helped the Fraternity win many games. I have many fond memories of him and will remember him in my prayers this evening.
Denise Shotwell-Williams
December 2, 2013
To Debbie and the entire Graves family. May God be your comfort during this time of sorrow.
Ethel Washington-Harris
December 2, 2013
Dearest Debra,
I am deeply sadden by the loss of your husband, Pastor Graves. Comfort, peace, and hope to you in this time of sadness. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family.
Stay Blessed,
December 2, 2013
R.I.P.
December 2, 2013
"God" Please wrap your arms around this family of a man that served you well! R.I.P Chaplain Graves
Dyetra Norvell-Bowen
December 2, 2013
Blessings and peace to the family of Rev. Dr. Ernest E. Graves and my Dayton church family,Tabernacle Baptist Church. Know that I have you in my prayers as you honor Rev. Graves, a wonderful pastor who is absent from the body but present with the Lord. He is at peace.
Love you all,
Dyetra Norvell-Bowen
Silver Spring, MD
December 2, 2013
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. He had such a beautiful and genuine spirit. I'll always remember his as the chaplain at DCI. Pat Branch
Stacey Jones
December 2, 2013
First Lady Debra Graves,
My heart and prayers goes to you and your family. Pastor Graves was and still is a great man of God!! Love you and your family!!
Reginald A. Guy Jr. Esq.
December 2, 2013
To The Ernest Graves' Family:
I met Ernest in 1963,while attending Dunbar High School,and last saw him helping Dr. Donald Thompson officiate my stepmom, Ruth Guy's, funeral. He was the first person from my Dayton youth experience to answer the call to preach. That he rose from humble origins to pastor one of Dayton's leading churches was a remarkable acomplishment of which many who knew him when are very proud. Dr. Graves is gone to soon. May he rest in peace.
Derrick Turner, Sr
December 2, 2013
What a kind and genuine Man! See you in Heaven!..
Susan Winn
December 2, 2013
Debra and Family, May you find peace in your time of need. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Robert Thomas
December 1, 2013
To First Lady Debra Graves and the entire Tabernacle Church family,
I am praying that God continues to give you strength during this difficult time. We thank God that he allowed us to borrow Pastor Graves. While it seems like it was just for a brief moment, God has a plan. John 14:2 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Thanks for preparing a place Lord, and because it was prepared for us in Christ we don't say goodbye we say goodnight Pastor Graves we will see you in the morning.
Mary Head
December 1, 2013
It was such a pleasure to have Rev Graves as my Pastor; a man of grace. Debbie and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Peter Ward
December 1, 2013
To Debra, the Graves family as well as the Tabernacle family:
"God is a present help..." May you sense God's presence as you celebrate Earnest's life and Pastor Graves ministry. May The Lord bless and keep you...and give you peace.
Carol Earley
December 1, 2013
To my Pastor Rev. Dr. Ernest Graves's family, peace be with you. He is resting now.
Shellie Anderson
December 1, 2013
God bless and keep Deborah and the entire family. Love you much!
Annise Pruitt-Anderson
December 1, 2013
Pastor Graves Family and the Tabernacle Family the loss is great the memories are dear. I know God is everywhere and that He will comfort. Praying for peace only God can supply. Much Love
December 1, 2013
I am so very sadened to hear of Rev. Graves passing. He was my mentor when I worked for Dayton Corrections. He was an angel on earth to everyone he met and now he will mentor all the world from above. Ms. Fowler
December 1, 2013
To the family and church family of Rev. Dr. Graves:
I send my most sincere condolences, as well as on behalf of my Wife, Deborah and church, International Christian Faith Ministries. (Centerville, Oh)
On the occasions I had to deal with Rev Graves, he was kind and approachable. I especially remember encouraging him as he had stepped into filling the shoes of the late and great Rev. Thompson. He said God would have to help him.
Now I am asking God to help the family and the church through this time of loss and change.
May God bless and guide,
Elder Henry Essick II, Pastor
Karla(Merchant) &Glenn Parrish
December 1, 2013
Graves Family,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dwayne Bickham
December 1, 2013
in God's care rest in peace
Richard and Tamla Bruton
December 1, 2013
Our Pastor will be sorely missed. God has finally called home our Shepard, and we thank you Lord for allowing him to be the one you chose to be ordained to lead us by your word. Although there was a struggle in life on earth, there is now so much peace in the presence of The Lord. "I SHALL BLESS THE NAME OF THE LORD AT ALL TIMES, HIS PRAISE SHALL CONTINUALLY BE IN MY MOUTH"......we love you Pastor
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