Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Raymond Graves Obituary
Friends may call Thursday, 2-4 PM for viewing and 4-6 PM for a Community Service at Aenon Baptist Church, 175 Genesee Street. Funeral Service, Friday, 11 AM at New Bethel CME Church, 270 Scio St., Rev. Weldon Thomas, Officiating. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park, Perinton, NY.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Graves
Tommy Jackson
December 23, 2023
Remembering Rev. and Mrs. Graves today, both were my mentors. Two great persons that were dear to my heart.
Jackson Jackson
December 23, 2021
I will always remember Rev. Graves for his mentoring of me and showing me how to be a great leader in God's church.
Pastor & Mrs. James H. Cantrell
December 23, 2021
His friendship and kindness to Carol and me will always be cherished and remembered. RIP
Shirley BillupsBell
January 13, 2011
To a mentor, father, confidant, teacher; one who was selfless and was a bold servant with a servant's heart...one who accepted ALL as God's creation and met you where you were in times of need..That was the Rev. Graves that I knew...The one who appointed me as the FIRST WOMAN President of UCM and encouraged me to plant a church! I am sure God is saying well done my good and faithful servant...you have been FAITHFUL over a few things....Thank you Rev. Graves for giving me a chance as a woman who God chose to SERVE!! I love you and miss you greatly!!!! Pastor Shirley Billups-Bell.
Mary Nix Harper
January 6, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Betty Judy-Griffin
January 1, 2011
A light has gone out on earth, but shines bright in heaven. He was a great help to me in my most trying time, God has blessed him. My prayers are with you all, Mrs. Graves, Paul, Valeria and the res of the family. Sincerely, Betty Judy Griffin, Charlotte, NC
Mary Monroe
January 1, 2011
God Bless you Mrs. Graves at this time from the Monroe and Green family. We will never forget all that you and Rev. Graves have done for our family. Love You so much. Mary Monroe-Green, Liz Monroe, Mary Monroe Robbins(Ruthie, Greg Monroe and Walter Monroe Jr. From Rochester New York.
Robbie Stewart
December 31, 2010
To the family of Rev. Graves from Mrs. Robbie Stewart (Jackson, MS) and daughter Pearl Stewart: You are in our thoughts. We have fond memories of Rev. Graves and his work as a civil rights leader and activist.
Gwendolyn Collins
December 31, 2010
Sorry for your loss. Gwen, neice of Lula Simpson.
December 31, 2010
To Mrs. Graves and family on behalf of the Jones family, thank you for all the love over the years. I often imitated Rev. as a child after church thus the seed was being planted from childhood. The last time I visited New Bethel Reverend Graves asked me to assist in communion. He spoke of how proud he was of me becoming a preacher. I am honored to have known and be mentored by him.Rest in Peace Rev. Graves You will surely be missed.
Pastor Michael & Melinda Jones
Austin Texas
Mr.Therman & Rev. Alma C. Bliss
December 30, 2010
To the family of Rev. Raymond L. Graves:
We would like to extend our sympathy to you and let you know we are sorry to hear of your loss.
Earth has lost another WARRIOR and HEAVEN has gain another soul.
It is our prayers that, the comfort of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and the love of GOD be with you now and in your future times of need.
(MATTHEW 5:4)Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Mr.Therman & Rev.Alma C. Bliss
December 30, 2010
Dear Pauline Graves & Family:
My wife and I will always be grateful to Ray & Pauline for embracing us while at Colgate Rochester.
Ray was always a voice against injustice and a voice for the underserved. He believed the Gospel empowered persons. He made a great impact on my Ministry while serving as Youth Minister at New Bethel.
Well Done Thou Good & Faithful Servant,Take your Rest!
Pastor James H. & Carol Cantrell - Cincinnati, Ohio
December 30, 2010
Rest in Peace my good friend and Pastor. We will miss you.... Pat and Tommy Jackson.
December 30, 2010
Rest in Peace Rev Graves you will be dearly missed Peterson Family
Stacy McCuller Witherspoon
December 30, 2010
To the Family of the "ESTEEMED" Rev. Raymond L. Graves from Ms. Stacy D. McCuller Witherspoon and family - On Behalf of our father, the Late Mr. James MAMBA McCuller, Sr. Time, as does the season will always pass and so do our loved ones. However, there are those "Annointed", "Chosen", "Driven" and "Royal" individuals who always leave you with an indelible mark that never goes away. Rev. Graves is one such individual. In my possession after all these long years I still have the picture of him along with my father, Mr. James MAMBA McCuller, Sr. and others as they marched against police brutality after the death of my sister Alecia. You could clearly see the passion and formidable spirit in Rev. Graves eyes as he supported my father, just as if it were his own daughter. It is my hope, desire and prayer that even as time passes that we all take just one of the "AWESOME" qualities that made Rev. Raymond Graves the COMMUNITY ICON that he had become. I am unable to be at either service, but have asked my family members who still live in Rochester to attend as representatives of our father, because barring his own "transition" nothing would stop him from attending. But I truly believe because of the INTENSE kindred spirit they both possessed and shared, that Mr. James MAMBA McCuller, Sr. will be in the midst in support of his FRIEND. We Love You, Appreciate You, and Stand with you in this time of Need.
With the Most Humblest of Praise,
In His Awesome Grace, I submit
Stacy D. McCuller Witherspoon
James Caldwell
December 30, 2010
Brother: Rev. Raymond Graves, was a Blessing to the Rochester, New York Community, because he stood up for all people and save many souls in the process. Rev. Graves will be truly missed, because we need many more people to stand up and fight the good fight for people all over the World.
I am proud to say that I had the opportunity to know this great warrior.
May he rest in Peace.
Cathy Watson
December 30, 2010
A good man gone home to his maker! Our deepest sympathy for the family. Rev. Graves was like a father to me. We lived next door to the church on Lyndhurst St. years ago when my mom and dad became good friends with the Rev. and his wife Ms. Pauline. Thereon, it was love and forever love for both our families. Rev. was my first employer when I was 13 years old. I was his secretary at the church. We always has great conversations, lunch and I also joined the Girls Scout, me and my sister with his encouragement. Rev. Graves will be greatly missed by all and the community. We loved him, but God loves him best! See ya on the other side Sir! With Love Always!
Love, Cathy Watson & Family
Joyce Reed
December 29, 2010
While we don't know the perfect words to say or the exact thing to do to comfort you, we want you to know how sorry we are to hear of your loss. Our warmest thoughts are with you and your family. Your Sister and Brother in Law. Joyce and Bobby Reed.
Gary Withers
December 29, 2010
We are sorry for your loss. Raymond was always there for us. May God forever bless you all.
Loretta Pressley
December 29, 2010
Wow another of the few activist for the community is now gone. He knew my family well, he was so gracious when I left New Bethel to attend Zion Hill. I learned so much from this man, I will always remember the life lessons he taught me. Never forget him or his family.
Joan Coles Howard
December 29, 2010
Rev. Graves gave his all to our community. Celebrate his life well lived.
Saundra Porter Thomas
December 29, 2010
Rev. Graves was a mentor to my Father and Mother - the late Revs. Odell and Madeline Porter. His wise counsel and support to them as ministers and parents was priceless. I am grateful for his vision and willingness to serve God in many ways. Spirit-counsel celebrates his return home. Many blessings to his loved ones.
Lavata Wood
December 29, 2010
Blessings and Prayers to Pauline Graves and family. I will always remember the kindness, great preaching and the wisdom that Rev. Graves offered. He was a giant in the CME Church. He never became a bishop in the CME church but believe me he will be "Bishop Graves in the Lord's house"Heaven ". His works will always speak for itself!!.May he rest in peace.
Pastor Emily Anderson Comm. Temple Holiness.
December 29, 2010
We ae very sorry for your loss.
Roberta Kellum
December 29, 2010
Ms. Pauline, God has taken your husband and my friend to serve Him in heaven. What a privilege!
I know that grief is so hard especially at holiday times, but fond memories, family and friends will help you thru.
I love you Ms. Pauline and if there is anything I can do, call me.
Yvette Singletary and Family
December 29, 2010
To Miss Pauline and the Graves Families:
We all share in your sadness. Reverend Graves was a wonderful man full of stature. He presided over the funeral for my mother, my son, baptized my children, and married me and my husband. He was my spiritual leader for 28 years.
I love Reverend Graves. Whenever I would ask for anything regarding New Bethel CME, he always said yes. He presided over funerals for my family members who had no church home. In fact, at the last funeral he presided over, we found out that he and my uncle are cousins.
We will always remember you Reverend graves for your thoughtfulness, your caring attitude, and for being a champion of justice!
WELL DONE MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.
IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO RECEIVE YOUR CROWN OF GLORY. THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE FOR ME AND MY FAMILY.
Miss Pauline, thank you for being there for me and my family too. I remember it as if it were yesterday, November 20, 1989 when your mother passed away. You were singing at my mothers funeral when you received the news. That is a bond I will always hold special in my heart. We love you Mrs. Graves and may God bless you and your family.
Godspeed Reverend Graves, We love you dearly, but God loves you best. Rest until we meet again.
Roseanda Pittman-Williams (formerly of Rochester)
December 29, 2010
I grew up in New Bethel under the leadership of Pastor Graves.My grandmother(Frances Pittman) would pick me up from home on the Southwest side of Rochester for church every Sunday.Pastor Graves was comical which made church enjoyable as a child and it also didn't hurt that he was "easy on the eyes".God has given another Angel his wings.May the family find strength and comfort in the Lord during this difficult time.
Alfreda Jackson
December 29, 2010
words can-not express fro the huge loss to the community as well as New bethel church family. I pray that Mrs. Pauline Graves stay strong in the Good lord. God bless the family! love the Johnny L. Jackson family 116 Summer Sky Drive Rochester NY 14623
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in Raymond Graves's name
Memorial Events
for Raymond Graves
How to support Raymond's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Raymond Graves's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
