Gwendolyn L. "Mema" Graves-Arrington

Our Beloved Gwendolyn L. Graves Arrington, known to family and friends as "Mema," peacefully transitioned to her spiritual home on January 25, 2026.

Gwen was born April 8, 1948, to the late Clayton Langford Sr. and Ruth L. Goodwyn from Surry County. She moved to Norfolk in 1956 and attended Booker T. Washington High School. She was an original member of the Gospel Revelators; they started in 1962. That same year, she met the father of her children, George Graves Sr. Later in 1965, they started their family of five. Gwen worked for the Government – CDI/Navy Exchange for over 20 years. She retired and also worked for Bank of America for several years. Other positions included catering and hair stylist.

Gwen sang with the group, with the former Amos Davis & the Angelic Choraleers. Gwen later remarried Hubert Arrington for 18 years. She became a faithful member of Mt. Ararat Christian Church, where she became a Deaconess. She sang with the Senior Choir with a captivating voice that touched us all. To know her was to love her.

Gwendolyn was predeceased by her father, Clayton Langford Sr.; her mother, Ruth L. Goodwyn; her sisters, Barbara Blow (James), Linda Richardson (Forrest), and Brenda Morton; her brother, Clayton Langford Jr.; and her son, Xavier D. Graves.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 18 years, Hubert Arrington; her daughters, Yetta A. Graves of York, PA, and Tabatha R. Woodley of Portsmouth; her sons, George L. Graves Jr. (Heiki) of Norfolk, and Eric C. Graves (Kesha) of Hampton; her brother, Clinton Langford (Saveeta) of Portsmouth; her stepdaughter, Danita M. Romas (Rafael) of NC; and her stepson, Thaddeus Arrington of Hampton. She is also survived by her grandchildren: April, Jerrell, Jessica, Jontel, Jasmine, Mikey, Tionne, and Eric Jr., as well as a host of great-grands, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing: Friday, February 6, 2026 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 268 Holladay Street Suffolk, VA
Celebration of Life: Saturday, February 7, 2026 1:00 PM Mt. Ararat Christian United Church 1860 Airport Road Suffolk, VA