Barbara Graves

Barbara (Steel) Graves, 87, of Cumming, Georgia went to be with the Lord on Saturday October 4th, 2025. Barbara was born on May 17th, 1938, to the parents of John Daniel Steel and Anna Lucille (Lewis) Steel in Blount County, Tennessee. She graduated as a Salutatorian of her class from Vonore High School in 1955. Afterward, she married her high school sweetheart, Freddie L. Graves (Fred), also from Vonore, TN. She went on to attend Draughon's Business College completing a two-year certification program in only six months.
Barbara and Fred moved to Atlanta, Georgia to start careers and a family. They had two children, a daughter, Maresa (1964) and a son, Lee (1970). While living in Atlanta, the family attended Westminster Presbyterian Church. Barbara was a very industrious woman able to manage work responsibilities while raising children and keeping a home. Later, she would collaborate with her husband, Fred, in three business enterprises. The pair worked together at Graves Fireplaces, Inc. since the founding of the business in 1977. She was gifted in administration, and they made a great team complementing each other well in their separate roles in the business. Although, she would comment that Fred would do what he wanted to, and she would find out about it later. They were married for 67 years. Fred passed away in 2022, but Barbara continued to be active in the business until very recently. She had a long and fulfilling career as a businesswoman. The company has now transitioned to the family's next generation and will continue to serve the community.
She was dedicated to her family, faith and friends. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren who affectionately called her Bebe. From attending school and sporting events to celebrating holidays together, she was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She was also a great cook and a gracious hostess to all her guests. She was an avid reader and strong prayer warrior. Miss Barbara will be remembered as an elegant and graceful Southern lady.
Barbara was predeceased by her parents; John and Lucille Steel; husband, Fred Graves; daughter, Maresa (Graves) Bowen; sister, JoAnn Steel and brother John A. Steel; brothers-in-law: James Paul Graves and Ted Klenske. She is survived by her son, Lee (Yvette) Graves; grandchildren Samuel (Taylor) Graves, Luke, and Anna Graves; also by her beloved sister Mary Jane Klenske and beloved brother Don (Jane) Steel; sisters-n-law: Linda Graves & Carolyn Steel, and many dear nieces and nephews.
Barbara was a member of Waypoint Baptist Church in Cumming, Ga (formerly North Lanier Baptist) for over 30 years. She and Fred made lifetime friendships over the years with many people from their church and work family, and the Forsyth County community.
Visitation will be held at McDonald & Son Funeral Home on Sunday October 12th from 12:00-3:00 PM. A celebration of life service will follow at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Waypoint Baptist Church or New Heights Academy in her memory.
Waypoint Baptist Church 829 Atlanta Highway, Cumming, GA 30040
https://waypoint.live/give
New Heights Academy, Inc. 6225 Atlanta Hwy., Suite 110, Alpharetta, GA 30004 https://newheightsacademyga.org/giving