Mary Louise Graves

Mary Louise Graves, affectionately known as Marylou, Pookie, or Lou Lou, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 9:38 AM, surrounded by the love and presence of her family at Woodland Manors Nursing Home in Springfield, Missouri. She was 73 years old.

Marylou's life was a radiant testament to grace, resilience, and unwavering love. Known as a "Social Butterfly," she touched countless hearts with her warmth, humor, and vibrant personality. Her laughter was infectious, her spirit unforgettable.

Born on January 15, 1952, in Springfield, Missouri, Marylou was the beloved daughter of Sherman H. Graves and Margie L. Graves. From the very beginning, she was a unique and lively soul. Her mother fondly described her as "one who demanded lots of attention as needed with no restraints," a reflection of her bold personality and enduring presence. In her youth, Marylou was baptized and became a devoted member of Gibson Chapel Presbyterian Church, where she found spiritual grounding and community. Though later inactive, her early faith journey remained a meaningful part of her life story.

A passionate football fan, Marylou stood proudly with the Raiders, inspired by former head coach Art Shell, one of the first Black head coaches in the NFL. She admired his leadership and excellence, and her love for the game extended to her family. She was a devoted supporter of her son, Marlon R. Graves, cheering him on from his Mighty Mite days through college at Baker University, and later her great-nephew, Javeo Toliver, at Missouri State University.

Marylou dedicated over 40 years to the workforce with pride and perseverance. She began her career at Dayco-Spring Day, serving for 12 years, and continued at Lily Tulip Cups Company (later Solo Cup Company) for 28 years. Through transitions and challenges, she remained a steadfast presence, retiring in 2004 as a Maintenance Technician and Support Personnel.

In 1980, Marylou married Tony Ray Richardson, with whom she shared years of love and support. After their divorce, she embraced single motherhood with strength and joy, living fully, playing bingo, and enjoying weekend trips with her siblings to her favorite pastime, Downstream Casino. Marylou found joy not only in the games but especially in the buffet, which she often said was more rewarding than the missed chances to win BIG. She later remarried Johnny Small, and together they shared many fun and adventurous moments until their divorce in 2022.

Marylou "Pookie" Graves is survived by her only child, Marlon R. Graves (Charleen); her devoted siblings Raymond Graves, Sr. (Marie), James Graves (Christal), Joyce Toliver, Mark Graves (Zetta) and Mike Johnson (Rachelle). She was a proud and nurturing grandmother to Rennel Harriott, Maciah L. Graves, Zoe M. Graves, and Roman A. Graves.

Marylou also leaves behind her beloved closest cousins; Donna Jean-Stewart, Colleen Shockley, and Cheryl Neely-Clay; lifelong friends Bretina "Tennie" Small, Donna Fae Copeland, Chrissy Heard King and Mary "Sissy" Hardin. Her legacy continues through a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were deeply touched by her grace, warmth, and unwavering love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman H. Graves and Margie L. Graves; her brother-in-law, Paul Toliver; her former husbands Tony Ray Richardson and Johnny Small and her beloved nephew Raymond N. Graves, II ("Ray, Jr.").

Marylou was often affectionately mistaken by white folks as an Oprah Winfrey look-alike, but to those who truly knew her, she was simply Pookie or Lou Lou and that was more than enough.

Thank you All, for celebrating the life of Mary L. Graves aka "Marylou." She will be deeply missed!

Visitation will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Washington Avenue Baptist Church. Funeral Service will follow at noon in the church.