Bertha Graves

Bertha Elaine Graves was born on May 8, 1945, in Mississippi to the late Trochue Swaggard and Myrtis Swaggard. From the beginning, she was shaped by strong faith, steady hands, and gentle guidance that molded her into the loving, humble, and selfless woman so many came to know and cherish.

Bertha was educated in the Buffalo Public School System and attended East High School in Buffalo, New York. While she pursued additional education, her true calling was found in a life devoted to service, first to her family, then to her church, and to anyone God placed in her path.

In 1967, Bertha married her sweetheart and favorite person in the world, Leonidas Graves, at First Shiloh Baptist Church. Their marriage, rooted in faith and devotion, spanned 59 years. Bertha cherished her role as a wife, homemaker, and mother, always placing others before herself and serving with grace, humility, and joy.

Bertha lived a life devoted to God and family. She was a faithful member of First Shiloh Baptist Church for most of her life and later attended New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Joseph Jackson , until her illness. She loved church work, women's groups, and serving wherever she was needed. She ensured her children were raised in the house of the Lord, teaching them to do right, live humbly, and walk faithfully.

A true servant, Bertha helped raise not only her own children but many others. She lovingly babysat, fed, nurtured, and poured into every child entrusted to her care. She taught her grandchildren how to cook, how to love, and how to care for others. Everyone who knew her had a special relationship with her, and she made each person feel valued and loved.

Bertha loved to laugh, loved to cook, loved reading her Bible, and cherished being surrounded by her family. She never complained. Her greatest joy was knowing everyone around her was okay.

On January 9, 2026, God quietly called His faithful servant home, gently placing her in His arms and completing her life's work of unwavering love and service.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, Trochue Swaggard and Myrtis Swaggard; her sisters, Stella Lucas and Marion Craig; her brother, Eddie Swaggard; and her beloved grandson, Tyshawn Graves.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Leonidas Graves; her loving children, Priscilla (Rodney) Scott of Buffalo, New York, Leonidas Graves Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kimberly (Christopher) Dixon; her grandchildren, Brandi Graves, Rodney Scott jr. , Shante Perry, Devan Scott, Rhonda Scott, Tyler Graves, Leah Graves, Jessica Dixon, and Kailee Graves; 19 great grandchildren; her loving sister, Minnie ( Joseph) Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Bertha Elaine Graves leaves a legacy of faith, service, humility, and love that will live on through all whose lives she touched.

Relatives and friends may visit Elim Christian Fellowship, 70 Chalmers Ave. on Thursday, January 15 from 11-12, where a service will immediately follow. Interment at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Condolences may be made on this page.