Clifford Perry Childress Graves

1920 - 2018

Mrs. Clifford Perry Childress Graves

Ida, LA - Mrs. Clifford Perry Childress Graves of Ida, LA, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 23rd in her home, the home in which she was born over 97 years ago on July 14, 1920. A talented pianist and lover of all music, Mrs. Graves began playing the piano at the Ida Baptist Church at the age of 14, and served in that post until well into her 80's. In Ida, she served as an alderman for a number of years, helped incorporate the town and helped establish the perpetual cemetery fund for the Bethsaida and Munnerlyn Chapel Cemeteries. While serving in this position, she helped secure a United States flag for the village hall which had previously flown over the U.S. Capitol Building. She was a member of the Eastern Star for over 50 years, having held the position of Grand Worthy Matron for one term. Mrs. Graves was married to her first husband and father of her three children, T. J. Childress, until the time of his death in April of 1965. She was later married to Sterling L. Graves in January 1977 until his death in January of 2003.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, John Lake and Nora Perry, her three brothers whom she adored, Oscar, Lake and George Perry, her beloved daughter and son-in-law, Patsy Ruth and John "Bob" Patten.

She is survived by her son, James Thomas "Jim" Childress and wife, Marti, her daughter, Mary Ann Shields and husband, Baron, daughters, Abbie McJimsey and Sterlene Bolling and her husband, Lamar. In addition, she leaves behind grandsons, Michael Patten, Mark Patten and wife, Kristi, Dale Montgomery and wife, Allison, Jeff Childress, Lake Childress, and Stephen Bolling, granddaughters, DeeLee McJimsey, Trish Perry, Penny Asseff and husband, Doug, Amanda Montgomery, Perry Childress and Jennifer Driscoll. She is also survived by 12 great grandchildren. Also left to cherish her memory is her special one and only niece, Peggy Perry Stewart, her husband, Jimmy, and their daughters, Kimon and Lisa.

Services for Mrs. Graves will be held at the Ida Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 28th, at 2pm. There will be a time of visitation preceding the service from 12:30-1:30, followed by music until service time.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mrs. Graves' grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are Mark Montgomery, Frank Boston, Ronnie Dupree, Danny Carter, Gary Alexander, Charles Petty, David Petty, Jimmy Stewart, Lamar Bolling, Gene Shaw and Allen Griffen.

The family wishes to extend special appreciation and love to Rose Markham, Dottie Moore, Christy Herring, Amy Barone, Misty Dempsey, Stephanie Glen, Cindy Wynn and Becky Wright.

Philippeans 4:8, KJV

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.