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J. Graves Obituary
She confessed the love of Christ at an early age and was a member of St. Paul MB Church in Elgin where she served on the Mothers Board and was a faithful member of the choir. She retired from Elgin Mental Health Center May 13, 1999. She also worked as an Avon representative for 25 years.
Esther is preceded in death by her parents, Alex and Mary Smith; son, Fred Graves Jr; daughter, Trudy Graves; sister, Roselle (Ezelle) B. Curry; three brothers, Elias Smith, Raymond Smith and Alex Manual Smith Jr.
She is survived by six children, Jacqueline Williams, Johnnie Richard, Kathy Smith-Gleghorn, Pamela Harris, Kelvin Lee Graves and Sandra (Anthony) Brooks. She leaves her beloved daughters, Linda Graves and Joyce Abbott. She leaves 23 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 22, 2008 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at O'Connor-Leetz Funeral Home, Elgin. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 10:00 AM at Second Baptist Church, Elgin. The Rev. Charlie A. Ramsey, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park, Elgin. For more information, or to leave a condolence, please visit www.oconnor-leetz.com/obituaries or call (847) 741-1400.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for J. Graves
Nedra hector
March 7, 2008
""Fly Honey Bee""
Miss you always Momma
Nedra Faye Hector and Leach Boyz
James Forbes
February 25, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
verda taylor
February 25, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Louis Forbes
February 24, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
George and Thomasine Johnson
February 22, 2008
To the Family of J. Esther Graves
You have our deepest sympathy in the loss of your love one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Pearline Riley
February 22, 2008
To The Family: I to have sat where you are today, but GOD will carry you thru,just put your trust in him.I will be praying for the family.
Christopher smith [grandson]
February 22, 2008
Fly! ''Bee'' Fly![ to Heaven ]
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