Norma Jean Graves

BURLINGTON – Norma Jean Bishop Graves, 74, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family.

Norma Jean had been in declining health for 10 years.

She was born on November 25, 1941 in Alamance County to the late John Colon Bishop, Sr. and Mary Irene Parrish Bishop and was the wife to Jimmy Graves of 55 years.

Norma was a caregiver to many during her career as a nurse. Her first position was serving others at the office of Dr. James H. Hawkins, Sr.

Norma cared for patients at Alamance Regional Medical Center for more than 25 years, serving as a RN in the emergency department, outpatient surgery and alongside of Dr. Elliott and the late Dr. Kamlesh Kapur.

She was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church, former youth leader and United Methodist Women.

Norma Jean was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who will be dearly missed.

Survivors other than her husband, Jimmy Graves include her sons and daughters-in-law, Stacey and Beth Graves, Travis and Robin Graves; grandchildren, Ashley Graves, James Graves, Amanda Graves and Alex Cauthren; cousin, Joann Clapp and her husband, Max; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, John C. Bishop, Jr.

The family has heartfelt gratitude and appreciation of all of Norma's caregivers, Jerilynn, Shelia, Sarah and Teressa Campbell with Hospice.

Their loving support and care was shown to Norma during her illness and was a wonderful support to the family.

The funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at Friendship United Methodist Church with the burial to follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lowe Funeral Home & Crematory and other times at the home.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215 or to Friendship United Methodist Church, 4612 Friendship Patterson Mill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215 or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 780, New York, NY 10008.

You may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com.